From Paris to the Pump: Energy’s Global Impact

At the end of May, I will be traveling to France to visit Normandy and then to Paris for some French Open matches at Roland-Garros. As I have prepared for the trip, one unexpected but expensive travel-related topic keeps coming up: energy.

Energy affects far more than utility bills and gas prices. It influences airfares, transportation costs, inflation, as well as the overall cost of daily life. Here in the U.S., most of us experience that pricing relationship directly at the gas pump, where even small swings in oil prices can quickly impact household budgets and travel expenses.

In Europe, the relationship with energy feels different. The region’s extensive rail systems, walkable cities, and reliance on public transportation create a higher level of energy efficiency than many of us are accustomed to. Sustainability also feels less like a policy debate and more like an accepted part of daily life.

France is particularly interesting in that regard. While Europe is often associated with wind and solar energy, France has long relied on nuclear power as a core part of its energy strategy. Combined with investments in public transit and lower-carbon transportation, it offers a different perspective on how countries balance energy needs, affordability, and sustainability goals. And watch out for the cyclists if you decide to head to Paris. Ever since COVID, “free” transportation by bicycle has exponentially gained in popularity!

One of the things I especially value about travel—besides the great fun—is the perspective it can provide. Seeing how other countries approach shared challenges, whether energy, transportation, or infrastructure, can offer insight into broader economic and societal trends and solutions that could be useful here at home.

As I get ready for the trip, I’m looking forward not only to experiencing Normandy, and the French Open, but also to observing firsthand how another part of the world approaches global energy issues that increasingly affect us all.