For the second time in a month and a few days before summer, very hot weather impacts France for several days. This is no coincidence. These temperatures, well above seasonal norms, are one of the most significant manifestations of climate change. Climatologists have notably established that since 2000, a heat wave has occurred almost every year, or even several times a year, whereas before 1989, it was one summer in five on average.
And this is just the beginning! This development, which will get worse, must make adaptation to climate change a priority for the State and local authorities. These episodes indeed pose numerous challenges in terms of public health. Heat has an immediate effect on the body, by overmobilizing the body’s thermoregulation mechanisms. If not taken care of, it can cause headaches, nausea, muscle cramps or dehydration. For the most vulnerable populations, particularly among children, the elderly and the homeless, cardiovascular or respiratory problems can be aggravated.
When the climatic event occurs, precautionary strategies must be implemented – for example, this week, move exams from the baccalaureate if necessary. But medium-term actions must also be accelerated: greening of cities, insulation of buildings, and determined strategies to continue reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A report made public on Tuesday June 16 by an official body – Citepa – shows that these have fallen more than expected in 2024 and 2025 in France. But our country will have to accelerate its decarbonization in the coming years if it wants to meet its climate objectives and help avoid an average increase in temperatures of +4°C in 2100. Banco?
