Paris votes on bold plan to green 500 streets amid climate and mobility debate

Paris votes on bold plan to green 500 streets amid climate and mobility debate (Image: Reuters)

Parisians went to the polls Sunday to weigh in on an ambitious environmental proposal that could transform hundreds of city streets into pedestrian-friendly green spaces. The plan, backed by Mayor Anne Hidalgo, aims to block 500 streets to road traffic and replace stretches of asphalt with plants and trees. The nonbinding vote serves as a barometer for how willing residents are to embrace climate initiatives that could significantly alter daily routines, as reported by The Washington Post.

A test of public will

The vote is being seen as a crucial moment for Hidalgo, who has led Paris since 2014 and announced she will not seek reelection next year. With her political capital dwindling—she garnered just 1.75 percent of the national vote in the 2022 presidential election—this initiative could define her legacy. In an Instagram post, Hidalgo called the ballot a chance for Parisians to decide whether to accelerate the city’s fight against pollution and adapt to climate change.

If approved, the plan would designate five to eight streets in each of Paris’s 20 districts for transformation. The city would then conduct public consultations and feasibility studies over a period of up to three years to determine the specifics of implementation.

Divided reactions

Supporters argue that the initiative would make neighbourhoods quieter, greener, and more liveable while combating urban heat and reducing emissions. The measure fits within Hidalgo’s broader vision for a “15-minute city,” where all essential services are within a short walk or bike ride.

But critics say the plan lacks clarity. They argue that voters are being asked to approve a major policy without enough information on projected costs, effects on traffic and public transit, or even the types of vegetation to be installed. Guillaume Rozier, a digital adviser to President Emmanuel Macron, posted on X that the city was offering symbolic numbers over concrete plans, asking, “How can we decide without any background information?”

Others worry about the long-term environmental efficacy of the plan, noting that new saplings do not provide the same climate benefits as mature trees. Critics also say the changes may deepen existing divides between central Paris residents, who benefit from extensive public transport, and suburban commuters who rely on cars to access the city.

A broader transformation

Under Hidalgo’s leadership, Paris has already seen dramatic shifts in urban planning. More than 340 miles of new bicycle lanes have been built, and tens of thousands of parking spots have been eliminated. City data shows a 40 percent decrease in car traffic since 2011.

While these policies have won her praise internationally, especially among urban planners and environmentalists, they have also sparked domestic pushback. Detractors say the mayor's focus on central Paris overlooks the needs of outlying areas and people who must travel into the city for work or services.

A vote for the future

Despite the criticism, Hidalgo’s team insists the vote is about more than her mayoral legacy. "It’s a chance to express support for calmer streets, less noise, and less pollution," said Anouch Toranian, the deputy mayor for community life.

Voting closed at 7 p.m. local time, with results expected later Sunday. While the outcome won’t automatically trigger change, it will signal whether Parisians are ready to embrace large-scale environmental reforms that prioritize climate resilience over convenience.