Right to coolness needed against heatwaves, say ecologists

As heatwaves intensify, environmentalists are advocating for a fundamental shift in how societies prepare for and respond to extreme heat. Marine Tondelier, national secretary of Les Ecologistes, along with Paris councilors David Belliard and Alice Timsit, are championing the concept of a "right to coolness."

Their proposal argues that simply enduring extreme heat is insufficient. Instead, proactive measures must be implemented to ensure public well-being during periods of intense heat. This includes guaranteeing access to shaded areas, ensuring buildings are designed or retrofitted to remain cool, providing sufficient public swimming facilities, and establishing provisions for "climate leave."

The initiative aims to create a framework where access to relief from excessive heat is considered a basic right, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, can find respite from dangerous temperatures. This approach seeks to move beyond reactive measures and establish a more resilient and adaptable urban and social environment in the face of escalating climate challenges.

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To no longer suffer extreme heat, we must anticipate it: the right to shade, to cool buildings, to swimming areas and to climate leave must be guaranteed for everyone.