Paris and the Île-de-France region: towards real-time monitoring of CO₂ emissions.
An innovative response to the climate emergency
Paris and the Île-de-France region have launched an unprecedented initiative: the real-time measurement of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions throughout Greater Paris. The initiative is part of the City of Paris’ carbon neutrality strategy. It aims to overcome the limitations of traditional carbon balances, which are often published several years late and based on approximate data. The new system makes it possible to act more quickly, thanks to up-to-date, accurate and usable data.
A project born of collaboration between city, science and technology
The project is based on a partnership between the City of Paris, French start-up Origins.Earth and the Laboratoire des Sciences du Climat et de l’Environnement (LSCE). Together, they have developed an innovative technological solution, dubbed Météo Carbone, which tracks and maps CO₂ emissions in real time across the Paris region.
The system is based on a network of atmospheric sensors installed across the Paris region. More than 30 GHG measuring stations belonging to LSCE or Origins.Earth are deployed. They produce raw data 24 hours a day. These data are then processed by an automated technology chain, providing a reliable and constantly updated reading of CO₂ emissions.
An interface to guide public action
The results are published every month on a dedicated digital platform. It allows you to:
- View emissions in the form of interactive maps
- Track trends over time (day, month, year) and by sector.
- Identify high-impact areas
- Observe seasonal variations
This information makes it easier to adapt public policies to the realities on the ground.
The method used was compared with the City of Paris’ carbon footprint for 2018, and the results proved highly consistent. The system also demonstrated its effectiveness in capturing the impact of the 2020 confinements, marked by a sharp reduction in emissions due to the slowdown in activity.
To refine our analyses, more than 80 databases feed our Automated Carbon Inventory. Météo Carbone is a truly operational observatory, capable of producing a “weather forecast” of emissions in real time. It provides local authorities with a reactive and accurate monitoring tool, essential for designing and monitoring in real time the most effective GHG emissions reduction actions for a given territory.
Paris leads the way in climate innovation
This pilot project positions Paris and the Île-de-France region as leaders in urban environmental management. It proves that it is now possible to monitor greenhouse gas emissions with great precision, on an on-going basis, and to build more effective local responses to the climate crisis.
