Heatwaves deliver lasting blows to the economy

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Le Monde or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: France is experiencing widespread economic disruption as heatwaves intensify
• Four reactors at the Gravelines nuclear power plant were shut down due to jellyfish clogging cooling systems, while another reactor at Bugey was paused to avoid overheating river water
• These incidents, alongside halted construction and altered waste collection schedules, underscore how extreme heat impairs industrial operations and labor productivity

🔭 The context: Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense across Europe due to climate change
• In recent years, governments and businesses have faced mounting challenges in adapting to thermal stress, with sectors like energy, transport, and construction particularly vulnerable
• Public health concerns and infrastructure limitations have led authorities to issue red and orange alerts across most of France

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: These heat-induced shutdowns reveal how climate volatility can destabilize essential infrastructure, from energy generation to public services
• Such events not only hamper short-term productivity but also indicate the long-term cost of inaction on climate adaptation
• Conversely, some sectors—like cooling technologies—may see economic gains, potentially reinforcing unsustainable energy demand unless managed responsibly

⏭️ What's next: France is expected to enhance workplace protections, enforce environmental safety measures, and invest in climate-resilient infrastructure
• Policymakers may revisit industrial cooling strategies and introduce incentives for adaptation technologies
• The economic fallout from repeated heatwaves could also inform EU-wide standards on thermal safety and operational thresholds, with implications for energy grids, labor law, and urban planning

💬 One quote: “A single day above 32°C is equivalent to half a day of strikes in terms of economic impact,” said France Stratégie, a government think tank

📈 One stat: 42.9°C was recorded in Saint-Laurent-du-Pape on August 12—the second-highest temperature in France this year

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