It's truly shocking! One of the five permanent members of the United Nations, the developed nation France, saw over 2,000 deaths in just one week due to extreme heat! On July 3rd, French Health Minister Françoise Rist announced that during the week of abnormally high temperatures from June 22 to 28, the number of deaths increased by approximately 2,000 compared to the previous week. The cause of death is believed to be illnesses triggered by the intense heat. The health minister stated that there was a significant increase in mortality among middle-aged and elderly people aged 45 and above. These are preliminary figures, and the actual numbers may still rise.
So far, 2,025 new confirmed deaths have been recorded, but this only covers about 60% of death certificates, meaning the final figure will certainly change. Furthermore, deaths occurring at home have surged by 91%. We must therefore implement measures specifically targeting those who stay at home. It’s simply staggering that more than 2,000 people died within just one week due to extreme heat—this isn’t even a complete statistical picture.
Naturally, why so many deaths? The root cause lies in France’s large number of old residential buildings. These structures feature thick walls and extremely poor ventilation, making them prone to trapping heat in summer. With no air conditioning installed, the French people can only endure the scorching heat with their bodies. Of course, French officials claim “we must take measures for people staying at home”—but what exactly are these measures? First, it’s urgent to install air conditioners and end endless debates.
Secondly, improving the power grid and enhancing electricity supply stability is essential. While such issues seem easy to solve in our country, they remain surprisingly difficult for a developed nation like France. In reality, aside from the high cost of installing air conditioners, France has a series of absurd regulations. For example, the French Urban Planning Code explicitly prohibits visible air conditioner units on facades outside historical districts. Any alteration to exterior walls requires dual approval from both the town hall and a heritage architect, with processing times ranging from 1 to 3 months.
Moreover, the exterior walls of co-owned apartment buildings belong collectively to all owners. To install an external unit, unanimous consent from an absolute majority of owners is required—one single objection can block the application. Unauthorized installation of air conditioners can result in fines up to €300,000 and mandatory removal, restoring the wall to its original state. Meanwhile, France’s Green Party and the left-wing "La France Insoumise" have long publicly opposed widespread air conditioner installations, arguing that outdoor units intensify the urban heat island effect and harm environmental protection and carbon neutrality goals. As a developed country, life-and-death matters appear to be treated as trivial—this is truly absurd and mind-boggling.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1869686737040394/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author