Heatwave in Paris and the Ile-de-France region: who are the most vulnerable?

Hot weather in Paris and the Ile-de-France region poses a major challenge for a third of the population, i.e. 3.7 million people. TheInstitut Paris Région (IPR ) highlighted their vulnerability in a recent study. It shows that 845,000 of these people are especially sensitive because of their age.

In all, more than six million people in the Paris region - half the total population - live in urban areas exposed to urban heat islands (UHI), which are particularly strong at night during the summer months. This is the finding of the IPR, which analyzed data from 2022 and took into account the experience of the 2003 heatwave.

Three criteria define this vulnerability:

• Exposure to urban heat islands (UHI)
• Sensitivity of people and property to urban heat (age, air pollution)
• Coping difficulties (income, access to healthcare and green spaces)
  

A closer look at these criteria reveals that the proportion of people living in these zones rises significantly as they approach the center of the Paris metropolis: from 21% in the outer suburbs, to 63% in the inner suburbs and up to 99% in inner Paris.

However, Erwan Cordeau, climate specialist at IPR, reminds us that we need to consider all parameters to assess true vulnerability.

In terms of coping difficulties, Paris seems almost free of red zones, unlike a vast triangle to the north between Aubervilliers, Saint-Denis and Le Bourget, the most exposed part of Seine-Saint-Denis.

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It should also be borne in mind that this study does not include the portion of the population, mostly on low incomes, who cannot leave the region during the summer to go on vacation. Erwan Cordeau underlines this point.

In a context where the Île-de-France region is relatively unaffected by the current European heatwave, it is important to bear in mind that warming in this region is twice as fast as the global average, according to experts.

In short, this study reminds us of the importance of taking care of vulnerable populations during heatwaves. Let's not forget to regularly check on our elderly neighbors and offer help if needed. Everyone can make a difference in helping our community get through these periods of intense heat.

Here are a few specific recommendations to help our elders get through the heatwave:

• Regular monitoring: It's a good idea to check on our seniors regularly, especially if they live alone. A daily visit or call can help detect any signs of heat-related discomfort.
  
• Hydration: Make sure they drink enough water. Sometimes, older people may forget to drink or not feel thirsty. It can be helpful to remind them of the importance of hydration and check that they have fresh water to hand.
  
• Refreshment: Offer to help them cool off, by offering them a mister, for example. You can also suggest that they take warm showers or baths to lower their body temperature.
  
• Air-conditioned places: If their home isn't cool enough, suggest they spend part of the day in an air-conditioned place, such as a shopping mall or library. Some public services may also offer cooling rooms or shuttles to them.
  
• If you feel unwell, confused, have headaches, cramps or any other unusual symptoms, don't hesitate to contact the emergency services.
  
  

These recommendations apply to young and old alike, so be sure to adopt the right reflexes in the event of a heatwave in Paris and the Ile-de-France region.