Paris's Green Transition Endures as New Mayor Takes Office

Despite some opposition, the environmental policies championed by outgoing Mayor Anne Hidalgo are likely to continue under her successor.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 5:41pm

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Paris's mayoral election in March 2026 will usher in a new era for the city, but the green transition that has been underway under outgoing Mayor Anne Hidalgo is expected to endure. Hidalgo's left-wing coalition oversaw dramatic changes in the city, including expanding bike lanes, pedestrianizing streets, and increasing green spaces, which have helped reduce Paris's carbon footprint and pollution levels. While some have criticized the policies as unfairly burdening suburban residents, the majority of Parisians now back the pro-environment efforts, and even the conservative challenger has pledged to continue developing bike lanes and revegetation.

Why it matters

Paris's green transition matters well beyond its boundaries, as urban areas account for almost half of global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions. The city's policies are seen as an example for other capitals around the world in confronting rising temperatures and climate change. The changes underway in Paris demonstrate how a major city can undertake a comprehensive green transformation, with lessons for other municipalities globally.

The details

Under Hidalgo's watch, Paris expanded bike lanes to cover over 1,000 miles, contributing to a 240% rise in cycling between 2018 and 2023. The city also closed a central area to most car traffic, pedestrianized hundreds of streets, and developed green areas across Paris, including pop-up beaches and urban forests. These efforts, along with a push to boost renewables and improve building efficiency, helped reduce Paris's carbon footprint by 21% and cut pollution by 40% between 2014 and 2022.

  • Hidalgo was elected mayor in 2014 and saw her mandate renewed in 2020.
  • Between 2018 and 2023, cycling in Paris increased by 240%.
  • Since 2020, 150,000 trees have been planted and 370 streets greened in Paris.
  • Paris's carbon footprint was reduced by 21% and pollution cut by 40% between 2014 and 2022.
  • The mayoral election in Paris is scheduled for March 15, 2026.

The players

Anne Hidalgo

The outgoing mayor of Paris who has overseen the city's green transition since her election in 2014.

Emmanuel Grégoire

A former deputy mayor in the outgoing administration who is leading in the polls to replace Hidalgo and has promised to continue the green transition.

Rachida Dati

The conservative challenger in the mayoral race who has criticized Hidalgo's environmental policies but now pledges to further develop bike lanes and continue revegetation.

Christophe Najdovski

A city councilor in charge of revegetation in Paris who has overseen the planting of 150,000 trees and greening of 370 streets since 2020.

Melissa Checker

A professor of urban studies at the City University of New York who has pointed to Paris's policies as an example for other capitals around the world.

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What they’re saying

“Since her election in 2014, Anne Hidalgo has shown a very strong political will to transform the city and adapt it to the major challenges of the 21st century, particularly the consequences of global warming.”

— Christophe Najdovski, City Councilor

“A 21st century city cannot look like a 20th century one, we need a software update.”

— Christophe Najdovski, City Councilor

“Ecology has won the culture battle.”

— Christophe Najdovski, City Councilor

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.