VIDEO: A discussion of their book ‘Survivre à la chaleur. Adaptons-nous’, on January 27, 2025 at the Library of Mines Paris – PSL. Moderator: Sébastien Perrin, Director of the library.

“Record-breaking temperatures and increasing extreme climatic events are causing significant loss of human life as well as destroying infrastructure, production and ecosystems. Adaptation seems therefore a necessity.

However, adaptation policies have been accused of diverting efforts and investments that could be better used to reduce CO2 emissions, and even of contributing to an increase in CO2 emissions. In contrast to these positions, this book argues that far from being opposites, adaptation and mitigation are complementary: adaptation allows for emergency response and provides local solutions, while mitigation is long-term and benefits the planet as a whole. Starting with concrete measures (air conditioning, reforestation, dikes, water management, etc.), the authors analyze their effectiveness and costs. They show how public authorities can support them to avoid maladaptation and protect the most vulnerable. A plea to see adaptation not as a failure, but as a cause for hope.”