Studying in France to fight climate change

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France is a major player in the fight against climate change. Studying in France means benefiting from world-class education and accessing training courses that give you the tools to take action to protect the environment. Since 2018, the MOPGA initiative has been supporting young international researchers committed to climate change research.

France plays a major role for the environment

France, a signatory to the Kyoto Protocol, chaired the Paris Agreement on Climate Change (COP21/CMP11) held in November 2015. The objective of the event was to conclude an international agreement to keep global warming below 2°C.

In the European Union, France is defending an ambitious position, focusing on a target of -40% greenhouse gas emissions in 2030, then -60% in 2040 (compared to 1990). In order to respond to the warnings given by the scientists of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the impact of human activity on climate change, France supports priority areas of climate research in line with the urgency to act.

Training courses in France to study climate

The study of climate change helps understand its effects in diverse fields, like health, water, biodiversity, natural hazards, agriculture, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture, energy and industry, transport infrastructures and services, urban planning, coastlines, mountains and more, to design and plan adaptation actions at national and local level.

Climatology concerns many fields of study such as agriculture, energy, geosciences, meteorology, oceanography, health, environmental sciences, earth sciences and life sciences. Specialisations are possible through further study.

In research, several programmes in France deal with the implementation of the ecological transition, the prevention of health and environmental risks, the fight against climate change and the management of its impacts.

MOPGA: scholarships for research stays for young researchers

Since its launch in 2018, the MOPGA initiative has been very popular among international students and young researchers who want to contribute to scientific research in relation with the climate change challenges. Between 2018 and 2021, 5 calls for applications contributed to support 243 students or young researchers.

A new call for applications, launched on 8 November 2021, will enable 40 young international post-doctoral researchers to come to France as early as September 2022 for a 12-month research stay, in order to work on the following topics: earth system sciences, climate change and sustainability sciences, energy transition, societal issues of environmental questions, human, animal and environmental health as defined in the basics of the “One health” approach.

In relation with the One Ocean Summit to be held in Brest from 9 to 11 February 2022, a special focused is directed to projects focusing on the oceans this year.

Campus France supports you in your studies in France

Campus France helps you identify and take action on your plans to study in France.

To find a program, take a look at our online catalogs, guides and information sheets.
To finance your studies with Campus Bourses, an online directory of scholarship programs.
To apply to a higher education institution, here are procedures and timetables, depending on the program applied for and your country of residence.
In your area, Espaces and Campus France local offices offer you information and personalized advice.