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Transport: SNCF taken aback by global warming?
The French National Railway Company must adapt its infrastructure to cope with climate change. But its efforts remain insufficient, according to the Court of Auditors.
(France 2)
The French National Railway Company must adapt its infrastructure to cope with climate change. But its efforts remain insufficient, according to the Court of Auditors.
Tons of waterlogged earth, collapsed on the tracks after heavy rains, traffic interrupted due to storms, or even flooded tracks. Is the SNCF well prepared for these bad weather conditions, which will intensify with global warming? Travelers already know the consequences. “At least once a week, we have delays, or even train cancellations, either because of frost or because of the rain”testifies a user.
Insufficient adaptations
In summer, for example, the SNCF is already forced to adapt. Because with heat, the steel rails can deform, and the copper catenaries can relax and be torn off. When the thermometer rises, the SNCF must therefore slow down the speed of certain trains. However, these adaptations are insufficient according to the Court of Auditors, for whom the SNCF does not sufficiently anticipate global warming, neither to adapt its infrastructure, nor to assess the cost of future damage.
Among our sources:
Annual public report 2024 of the Court of Auditors / regional and territorial chamber of accounts. Public action in favor of adaptation to climate change.
Summary of this 2024 annual public report
Non-exhaustive list.
