In recent days, Europe has been facing an unprecedented heatwave. With the acceleration of climate change, temperatures are reaching levels never before experienced: 42.6°C was recorded at 4:32 p.m. at the Paris-Montsouris station on July 25.
Elected for more than 20 years, the issue of adapting cities to climate change has always been one of my main concerns. Unfortunately, I have observed that, since the deadly heatwave of 2003, the French urban planning model has only made the situation worse: an increase in mineralized surfaces, soil artificialization, a decrease in natural and vegetated spaces, etc.
The result? Our cities turn into veritable furnaces as soon as temperatures rise.
These sad records have an impact on our bodies, especially those of the most vulnerable. In France, 2,213 schools were forced to close their doors on Tuesday, July 1, because their facilities were unable to accommodate children in good conditions.
In my book, Faire face à la canicule (Coping with Heat Waves), published in 2024, I develop several courses of action, inspired in particular by pioneering cities such as Madrid, which has already set up climate refuge areas accessible to all during extreme weather events. Among the solutions discussed are:
- Massive greening of streets, schoolyards, roofs, and facades,
- Creating air corridors to facilitate natural ventilation,
- Reducing car use to limit heat islands and promote soft mobility,
- Urban renovation designed with and for residents.
Climatologists are clear: if nothing changes, our summers will become unliveable by 2050, especially in urban areas. Rethinking the city is not just a question of ecology. It is a question of social justice, public health, and well-being.
Rather than “baking” or “fleeing,” I propose to take action now. This is a collective struggle: elected officials, urban planners, engaged citizens… everyone has a role to play.
To discover the book:
https://www.editionsddb.fr/product/131242/faire-face-a-la-canicule/
It’s time to transform our cities to face the heat of tomorrow!
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