facilities to combat heat

With its thousands of golden ribbons that sparkle under the sun, the installation does not go unnoticed on Place du Capitole. By creating shade on the ground, it is supposed to cool Toulouse residents and tourists, while the thermometer exceeds 30 degrees that day. The choice of ribbon limits wind resistance. A first test last year showed that the installation allows a gain of up to 2 and a half degrees in perceived temperature. A costly investment, 50,000 euros on average for a shade house. The city will have 17 this summer to cope with temperatures that exceeded 42 degrees last year.

Another priority is to plant trees wherever possible, such as on the alleys of the city centre. In addition to creating shade, trees transpire water, up to 450 litres per day, which makes them even more effective than canopies. On a bridge closed to traffic this summer, no planting is possible, but an artistic fresco on the ground that lightens the asphalt and allows for a few degrees gain. However, all these adaptation measures have their limits. Scientists estimate that they will at best allow for a gain of 5 degrees in the city and that they must urgently be accompanied by a reduction in our greenhouse gas emissions, which cause climate change.