France has been experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures surpassing 40°C, and air conditioners are uncommon. However, the country employs innovative cooling methods, including the use of the Seine’s waters. These waters are cooled in specialized facilities, then circulated beneath streets to reach public buildings, offices, shopping centers, and museums, as reported by Bloomberg.
Fraicheur de Paris, a part of Engie, operates this network and claims this method has historical roots, dating back to Ancient Egypt and Rome. It’s environmentally friendly, energy-efficient (saving 50%), and effective against heat.
Central cooling systems are gaining popularity in other European cities, such as Zurich, and worldwide in places like Singapore and Chicago. The BBC mentioned that Greece is considering reviving a historic aqueduct in Athens.
The cooling technique involves chilling water to at least 4°C and circulating it in a closed loop. Once warmed, it returns to the facilities. This method began in Paris in the 1970s and is increasingly favored. A challenge remains in accommodating the installations and constructing the pipe network.
Besides water, chalk also aids in cooling French cities, as reported by the BBC. This method involves mixing powdered chalk with water and applying it to glass, allowing light through while reflecting heat. Science confirms its effectiveness.
White paint reflects light, whereas dark paint absorbs it. Chalk’s calcium carbonate not only reflects light but is resistant to solar radiation. It’s considered safe for health and the environment, though caution is advised for potential inhalation risks.
In France, chalk is used during shop renovations, where shop windows are coated with the mixture, providing light while obscuring visibility. Gardeners apply it to greenhouse windows during heatwaves.
Schools in France, lacking air conditioning, also use chalked windows. However, headteachers urge for additional measures, like heat-repellent roofs.
The UK employs a similar method, smearing windows with whipped yogurt, according to the BBC.
Additional heat adaptation methods include city parks, fountains, tree-lined corridors, and white-painted roofs, first tested in Seville, Spain. These measures are more prevalent in northern cities, whereas southern cities, often more affected by heatwaves, may lack resources and rely heavily on air conditioning.
The heat has been beneficial for some retailers. In the UK, Currys saw a 2,758% increase in sales of fans and cooling products at the end of June over a long weekend in May. John Lewis Partnership reported an 800% surge in sales, and children’s pool sales rose by 700% compared to the previous week. AO World, a British appliance retailer, also reported similar sales growth.
Illustrative photo: pexels-alireza-kaviani-535828-1374448
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