France battles extreme heat, 37 departments under red alert

France is grappling with severe heatwaves, as Meteo France issued a red alert for 37 departments, impacting over 26 million people. This marks another intense period of high temperatures this summer, particularly affecting the central-west and central-east regions, including Ile-de-France.

As many French citizens embark on summer holidays, authorities have urged caution on the roads. The extreme heat has led to several measures to mitigate its effects. Tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Orsay Museum will close earlier than usual. Additionally, a stage of the Tour de France cycling race has been shortened due to the high temperatures.

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A mass of very hot air has been lingering over the country for several days, especially in the center-west to center-east, including the Ile-de-France region, causing a prolonged, intense, and widespread heatwave.

Climate scientists attribute these recurring heatwaves to climate change, largely driven by the burning of fossil fuels. The trend suggests an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, posing significant consequences for human life and the economy. The article also highlights the heightened risk of wildfires, with 25,000 hectares already burned this year, nearly double the same period last year. President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that human actions are responsible for most fires, warning that a moment of carelessness can endanger families and landscapes.

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Out of ten fires, in nine cases human actions are the cause. A second of carelessness can endanger families, destroy our landscape and endanger those who protect us.