France’s parliament approved a law banning all exploration and production of oil and natural gas by 2040 within the country and its territories. Under the law, existing drilling permits will not be renewed and no new exploration licenses will be granted. Environment Minister Nicolas Hulot says the law shows "current generations can take care of future generations." The ban is part of a much larger plan to wean the French economy from fossil fuels, fulfilling France’s commitments under the Paris climate agreement in order to help curb global warming.