French climatologist: We are unprepared for a climate that no longer exists

France is facing a climate it is unprepared for, having based its infrastructure and societal norms on a past weather system that no longer exists, according to French climatologist François Gemenne. He described the situation as a "terrifying challenge" as the country braces for its second heatwave of the year.

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We are completely unprepared. The country is adapted to a climate that no longer exists. It's quite terrifying.

"We are completely unprepared. The country is adapted to a climate that no longer exists. It's quite terrifying," Gemenne told Le Monde. He emphasized that adaptation should not be seen as surrender. "We used to consider saying such a thing as defeatist, but the reality is that we will have to adapt while reducing greenhouse gas emissions," the expert stated.

Gemenne warned that temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius in France are a distinct possibility within the next two decades. A study by the High Council for Climate revealed that heatwaves could become five times more frequent by 2050. "Yes, we must consider that a large part of the summer could be spent in a heatwave, and therefore we must think about everything we can do: adapt buildings, working hours, and so on," he said.

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We used to consider saying such a thing as defeatist, but the reality is that we will have to adapt while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The recurring heatwaves will inevitably impact the landscape, affecting rivers, mountains, and vegetation. "We are entering a phase that we do not yet know. We must not see it as an inevitability, but as a terrifying challenge," Gemenne added. He noted that while adaptation efforts have focused primarily on buildings, Paris is particularly vulnerable due to its high population density and limited air conditioning, leading to the highest number of heatwave-related deaths in Europe.

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Yes, we must consider that a large part of the summer could be spent in a heatwave, and therefore we must think about everything we can do: adapt buildings, working hours, and so on.

Despite the dire warnings, Gemenne expressed pessimism about a genuine collective awakening. He recalled that after the particularly dry summer of 2022, which was thought to be a turning point, "we did absolutely nothing." The climatologist urged researchers to move beyond issuing warnings and actively promote solutions.

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We are entering a phase that we do not yet know. We must not see it as an inevitability, but as a terrifying challenge.