Lessons from a Burning Summer: Not an Anomaly, but the New Normal, by Corinne Lepage

The relentless heatwaves of summer 2026 are not an exceptional event but the emergence of a new reality, former Environment Minister Corinne Lepage argued in an opinion piece for Libération. She pointed to the "real cost of inaction and non-prevention," the "absurd phobia of renewable energies," and the "false opposition between biodiversity and fire safety."

Lepage criticized the "failures of public action" exposed by the persistent heat. She called for a swift shift in public attitudes and behaviors to cope with the ongoing climate crisis. The former minister stressed the need for adaptation, implying that current strategies are insufficient to manage the escalating environmental challenges.

Her commentary serves as a stark warning about the consequences of delayed or inadequate responses to climate change. Lepage's call to action emphasizes that embracing renewable energy and reconciling environmental protection with safety measures are crucial steps toward a sustainable future.