Climate refuges, renovations, greening: What solutions exist to withstand the heat?

Environmental and solidarity associations are calling for urgent public policy action to combat the growing threat of heatwaves. They emphasize that implementing solutions like creating climate refuges, improving building insulation through renovations, and increasing green spaces is crucial for the population's well-being during extreme heat.

These organizations warn that without immediate and decisive measures, France risks experiencing significant annual mortality rates due to heat-related illnesses. They stress that these actions must be a top priority for public authorities to mitigate the deadly impacts of rising temperatures.

The proposed solutions aim to make cities and communities more resilient to heat. Climate refuges offer cool spaces for vulnerable populations, renovations can improve indoor thermal comfort and reduce energy consumption for cooling, and increased vegetation helps lower ambient temperatures through shade and evapotranspiration. The associations insist that these are not optional measures but necessities to prevent annual loss of life.