Author: Angela Symons

2023 is going to be the hottest year on record. How are Europe’s cities planning to adapt?

Source(s): Associated Press

[...]

France launched a heat watch warning system after an extended heatwave in 2003 was estimated to have caused 15,000 deaths - many of them older people in city apartments and homes without air conditioning. 

The system includes public announcements urging people to hydrate. Earlier this year, Germany launched a new campaign against heatwave deaths that it said was inspired by France's experience.

In Paris, fears of a 50°C future have led the French capital to invest in green space. The city's iconic zinc rooftops may need to be replaced with less heat absorbent materials. Another simple initiative has been floated in Barcelona, Spain: painting rooftops white to reflect the blazing sun.

[...]

As temperatures soar, working hours might need to be adjusted to protect employees from deadly temperatures. Spain has already made moves to ban outdoor work during periods of extreme heat.

[...]

Explore further

Hazards Heatwave
Country and region Europe
Share this

Please note: Content is displayed as last posted by a PreventionWeb community member or editor. The views expressed therein are not necessarily those of UNDRR, PreventionWeb, or its sponsors. See our terms of use

Is this page useful?

Yes No
Report an issue on this page

Thank you. If you have 2 minutes, we would benefit from additional feedback (link opens in a new window).