Climate rallies planned across France after record-breaking summer

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🗞️ Driving the news: More than 260 climate rallies were planned across France on September 26, following a record-breaking summer marked by extreme heat, wildfires and drought
• The mobilization, initiated by environmental activists, expanded to include NGOs, trade unions and left-wing political parties, with organizers calling for an emergency climate action plan

🔭 The context: Organizers are demanding both emissions-reduction and adaptation measures, proposing new sources of climate financing
• The demonstrations come as France prepares for its 2027 presidential election and amid concerns that climate adaptation could lose political attention as temperatures fall and cost-of-living pressures dominate the debate

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The protests reflect growing pressure to address both the causes and consequences of climate change, from emissions to heat and drought resilience
• France's 2026 summer was confirmed as its hottest on record, with an average temperature of 24°C for June–August

⏭️ What’s next: Organizers were targeting 100,000 participants and have already announced another mobilization for November 14–15 during COP in Turkey
• The September 26 demonstrations ultimately drew 120,000 people according to organizers, across 260 rallies, although turnout figures are attributed to the organizers

💬 One quote: “The planet can no longer wait, and inaction is not an option.” — Greta Thunberg

📈 One stat: More than 8,000 — the number of heat-related deaths reported in France between late May and late August, according to the article

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