French heatwave doubles heart attacks; unions demand workplace temperature limits

Paris sweltered under a relentless heatwave, shattering temperature records and pushing emergency services to their limits. Days in the French capital consistently exceeded 40 degrees Celsius, a level described as "exceptional" and "unbearable" by long-time residents.

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It is exceptional. I have lived in Paris for 50 years and this is the first truly unbearable period that I have experienced.

The extreme temperatures, far above seasonal averages, have had a direct and alarming impact on public health. Reports indicate that the number of emergency calls related to heat has doubled in the past week. On Thursday alone, Paris recorded 25 heart attacks in the city center, a fourfold increase compared to a typical day. This surge prompted Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to activate the highest level of healthcare preparedness.

Many Parisians, like shopkeeper Baya Diffallah, struggle with the heat as they work long hours without air conditioning. "It's hard now. I work 13 hours a day," she said, relying on a small fan to cope. The lack of AC in homes, affecting three out of four French households, and workplaces exacerbates the situation, leaving many vulnerable.

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It's hard now. I work 13 hours a day, from seven in the morning to eight in the evening. Yesterday I wasn't sure if I would make it through the whole day. But it worked.

Amidst the crisis, French unions are escalating their demands for a legal maximum temperature in workplaces. The severe health consequences, including the dramatic rise in heart attacks, underscore the urgency of these calls. As residents like 77-year-old Jean Jarrot reflect on the future, questioning "what kind of life will today's young people have?" the heatwave serves as a stark reminder of the escalating climate challenges.

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When I see a 5-year-old now, I think: what kind of life will today's young people have? Not just here in France – but in Europe in general.