The scenarios of climatologists are not very encouraging: extreme heatwaves with peaks at 50°C could occur in Paris in the coming decades, if greenhouse gas emissions continue at the current rate. A mind-numbing, inconceivable fatality, however already noticeable : heat waves are increasingly hitting our capital, particularly vulnerable due to its urban form, which generates a heat island effect. How does the body react in such conditions? If human beings are capable of supporting them – the PakistanThe Kuwait or even theSaudi Arabia have already recorded temperatures exceeding 52°C – what effect does heat have on health?
So many questions that the City of Paris wishes to, if not answer, at least to raise awareness the general public. To do this, it is launching a major experiment called Climate Sense between the walls of the Town Hall. Behind the system, we find the private institute Human Adaptationwhich works on human capacities for adaptation and changes in behavior.
Understanding life under 50°C
Inspired by the full-scale crisis exercise which was carried out in October 2023 with around a hundred residents, Climate Sense offers the possibility of testing this temperature in an immersive capsule created by the institute.
Participants are immersed at more than 50 degrees and invited to carry out physical and cognitive activities in these conditions, which turns out to be much more difficult. A sensory awareness of what could become a reality, accompanied by a journey of events to reflect on concrete solutions.
The experience is open to everyone, provided they are in good health; A medical questionnaire is submitted to each person in advance. It is also advisable to bring a change of clothes.
Plan a plan of attack
This initiative comes as the Paris Council meets at City Hall until Friday, November 22. The City must in particular deepen its 4e Plan Climatin order to guarantee the viability of the capital in the near future. On the program, several measures aimed at transforming Paris into “ garden city »: 300 new hectares of green spaces, the planting of more than 170,000 treesthe creation ofislands of freshness or even the de-waterproofing of 40% of the territory. Will this be enough to prevent residents from suffocating? The future will tell us.
Climate Sense
Paris City Hall
3, rue Lobeau – 4e
Until November 21
More info
