The rising temperatures have also harmed the elderly and the vulnerable, with some receiving a specialized diet to assist them to manage.
This week has brought France a new wave of catastrophe.
Wildfires are raging out of control as a fourth heatwave bakes territory already parched by the nation’s worst drought on record.
These harsh temperatures are particularly hazardous for the old and vulnerable, and in the French Riviera, care home administrator Rafael Casimir is in a state of emergency.
The emergency supply room is prepared and stocked.
Inside, he displays shelves lined with water bottles, fans, and air conditioning units.
In 2003, a nationwide heatwave killed thousands of elderly individuals.
Now, centers such as Rafael’s adhere to a “blue plan” to ensure that they are prepared for excessive heat.
The diet of the residents has been altered to include more hydrating foods, and their fluid intake has been raised.
“It is a perilous circumstance. As you are aware, many people perished in France many years ago; thus, we have an emergency plan to mitigate the risk “Rafael remarked.
In a nearby animal shelter in Saint Cezaire Sur Siagne, the vulnerable are also cared for.
Since April, the crew has been besieged by an increasing number of casualties caused by climate change.
More than three hundred newborn swifts are fed by hand in a single chamber, where they are virtually cooked to death by the heat.
“When it’s 35 degrees outside, beneath the roof it’s 45 or 50 degrees in their nests, and they suffocate,” revealed Jennifer Jolicard, the center’s director.
In another cage, small sparrows gather together, tilting their heads to reveal large bald spots where their feathers have been plucked.
According to the workers, they were discovered attached to asphalt that had melted due to the extreme heat.
The mammals, including two orphaned hedgehogs, are located downstairs.
As a result of the scarcity of insects, their moms must travel further to locate their food, which increases their danger of being attacked by dogs or killed on the road.
Many local creatures will perish due to climate change.
Jennifer stated, “We are observing an increase in the number of creatures, but it is the shape of the animals that causes us the most concern since each year the animals become progressively skinnier and weaker.
Meanwhile, in the fields of Grasse, the flowers used to make the nation’s renowned perfumes are also under stress.
High temperatures inhibit the growth of the magnificent white tuberoses, resulting in the collection of smaller-than-usual blooms.
The head of the Association of Grasse Flower Producers, Armelle Janody, said that they face two enormous obstacles.
On the one hand, the heat is hurting the health of a portion of this year’s harvest, while on the other, the drought is forcing farmers to choose which plants to water, so destroying a portion of next year’s harvest.
Whether it’s the wildfires that are already destroying houses and neighborhoods or the drought that will continue to impact businesses for years to come, this extreme heat crisis has affected nearly everyone in France.
