France heat wave exposes slow adaptation to rising temperatures
15 reported
A heat wave across France has temperatures expected to reach up to 43 degrees Celsius (109 F), with Paris as hot as Delhi, Doha, and the Mojave Desert. Most homes, public hospitals, schools, office buildings, and cafes lack air conditioning. The author, a Monitor correspondent, traveled to the northern beach town of Trouville seeking relief but found dry heat instead. Last year, a prolonged heat wave led to an estimated 480 heat-related deaths. This week, at least 40 people have drowned in unsupervised swimming areas while trying to cool off. The French government has held urgent interministerial meetings, but politicians remain split on solutions such as air conditioning. Some changes are occurring slowly, including innovative ventilation systems, ceiling fans, and rooftop green spaces.
What’s reported
Temperatures across France are expected to reach up to 43 degrees Celsius (109 F) this week.
Most homes, public hospitals, schools, office buildings, and cafes do not have air conditioning.
Last year, a prolonged heat wave led to an estimated 480 heat-related deaths.
At least 40 people have drowned this week in unsupervised swimming areas across the country.
The French government has held a series of urgent interministerial meetings on heat wave solutions.
Finance Minister Roland Lescure said air conditioning is expensive but the best way to manage the situation.
Far-right leader Marine Le Pen has pleaded for widespread installation of air conditioning.
Marine Tondelier, national secretary of the Ecologistes party, said air conditioning is not a taboo nor the answer to everything.
New buildings are incorporating innovative ventilation systems; the town of Vénissieux installed 150 ceiling fans.
Some schools and office buildings are planting rooftop green spaces to cool buildings down.
1900s-era Haussmann buildings are heritage-protected and require authorization for changes.
Newer high-rise apartments were built hastily and insulated poorly.
According to French nonprofit Les Morts de la Rue, 30% of deaths involving the homeless population take place in summer.
A May 2022 study projects climate change will contribute to 700,000 premature annual deaths worldwide by 2030.
The Union of Concerned Scientists stated the U.S. must cut gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel use by half in 2035 and by 85% in 2050 to meet climate targets.
Key figures
Roland Lescure, French finance minister
Marine Le Pen, far-right leader
Marine Tondelier, national secretary of the Ecologistes party
Rose, an expat friend of the author
Sources: csmonitor.com
