Paris, the City of Lights, is facing a new, unsettling reality: the threat of extreme heat. A recent report warns that the French capital could experience sweltering summer temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius in the coming decades. This chilling forecast underscores the urgent need for Paris to adapt to a changing climate.
The iconic architecture of Paris, with its wide boulevards and zinc-covered rooftops, is actually exacerbating the heat. These features act like “heat sinks,” trapping warmth during extreme weather events. Without swift action, Paris risks becoming unbearably hot by mid-century.
A City in the Crosshairs of Climate Change
While sweltering heat is already a reality in Paris, the report paints a grim picture of what lies ahead.
“This is not a prediction or a hunch, but a stark reality,” says Green party MP Alexandre Florentin, reflecting on the urgency of the situation. “We are experiencing a new climate regime where people are already suffering, and it’s only going to get worse.”
The report, produced by a cross-party group of local politicians and engineers, paints a stark picture of a future where Paris’s iconic architecture becomes a liability.
The current temperature record in Paris is 42.6 degrees Celsius, set in 2019. However, climate experts predict this could surge to over 50 degrees by mid-century.
“It’s hard to say when exactly this will happen, but it’s a possibility we can no longer ignore,” warns climatologist Robert Vautard.
A City Under Siege: The Impact of Extreme Heat
Cities are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat, and Paris is no exception. On average, Paris is 2-3 degrees Celsius warmer than surrounding rural areas. This difference can escalate to a staggering 10 degrees during heatwaves.
The report reveals that Paris will face an average of 34 heatwave days per year by 2030, a significant increase from the 14 recorded in 2008. Nights will offer little respite, with Parisians enduring 35 “tropical nights” – nights with temperatures above 20 degrees – compared to just five in 2008.
The consequences of such extreme heat are dire. High temperatures disrupt the body’s internal temperature regulation, leading to excess deaths. Sweating, our body’s natural cooling mechanism, can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. High temperatures also cause blood vessels to widen, leading to sudden drops in blood pressure.
The 2003 European heatwave tragically claimed the lives of 15,000 people in France alone. In 2019, France recorded 10,000 excess heatwave deaths, while 2022 saw a grim tally of around 3,000.
Extreme heat will also wreak havoc on Paris’s infrastructure. Power outages are likely as the electricity grid struggles to cope, while melting asphalt will force the closure of roads.
Paris’s iconic apartments with zinc roofs could become uninhabitable. Zinc, being a highly conductive metal, absorbs heat, turning these apartments into virtual ovens.
Adapting to a New Climate Reality: A Call to Action
The report urges city planners to take immediate steps to avoid a “nightmare scenario.” Without adaptation, Paris will become utterly reliant on unsustainable air conditioning, exacerbating the problem.
Paris needs to invest heavily in green spaces. This includes planting trees, removing asphalt, and creating “vertical greenery” on buildings. Trees and greenery provide shade and release cooling moisture into the air.
Paris’s famous zinc rooftops should be replaced with more heat-resistant materials or painted white. Blackout blinds and natural ventilation should be implemented wherever possible.
New developments should avoid “greenhouse” designs with vast glass facades. These trap heat, making buildings unbearably hot.
The workday may need to be adjusted to protect workers from the sun’s heat. Paris employers could adopt a “siesta” model, similar to their southern European counterparts. Evening events could start later, once temperatures have cooled. Community cool rooms should be established to provide refuge from the scorching heat.
Paris faces a stark choice: adapt or succumb to the heat. The time for action is now. By embracing sustainable urban design, investing in green spaces, and adjusting work schedules, Paris can mitigate the devastating impact of climate change and ensure a liveable future for its residents.
