Montpellier and Toulouse, two cities in the south of France, are changing in the face of the climatic challenges facing us. While Montpellier seems to aspire to the warmth and exoticism of Mexico, Toulouse, for its part, imagines itself transforming into a distant Australia. This phenomenon is not just about the quest for escape or simple aesthetic desire; it testifies to a deep concern in the face of environmental upheavals. The question then arises: why these imaginary metamorphoses? By scrutinizing the interstices of their urban stories, we discover that these dreams of elsewhere are only reflections of the impacts of climate change, in particular on our way of living, designing our cities and adapting our relationship to nature. It is an invitation to reflect on our present reality and to act for a sustainable future.
The simulator Climate Change Explorer from INRAE ââplunges us into a future where the effects of climate change are omnipresent. Using this simulator, we can visualize a future where cities like Montpellier and Toulouse adopt climates reminiscent of those of Mexico and Australia respectively.
The future climate of Montpellier: A trend towards Mexico
By 2060, Montpellier could very well feel like Irapuato, a city located in Mexico. Projections show an increase of +3.8°C in summer and +1.9°C in winter, with a reduction in rainfall of â0.3%. This transformation would mean more persistent heat and reduced precipitation, creating a much drier and more arid environment than today. Such a development would not be without consequences on local biodiversity, agricultural practices and the daily lives of residents.
Toulouse: A future city in the image of Australia
Toulouse, for its part, could well resemble Dalby in Australia, with a projected increase in temperatures of +4.2°C in summer and +1.8°C in winter, accompanied by a drop in rainfall of â0, 3%. This climate change will mean hotter and drier summers, increasing the risk of droughts, wildfires and water stress. On the other hand, this could impact infrastructure, the local economy and especially the health of citizens.
Simulation tools to raise public awareness
The simulator Climate Change Explorer was developed not only for scientists but also for the general public. It allows you to visualize potential future climate scenarios, based on official data used by the IPCC. By allowing everyone to project themselves into these possible futures, this simulator becomes a fantastic tool for raising awareness of climate issues.
The global impacts of extreme temperatures
Climate change does not only concern France. Globally, we are seeing record heat and extreme weather conditions. In China, last July, an average of 23.21°C was reached with peaks of up to 50°C. In Japan, July was the hottest since records began in 1898. These events highlight the urgency of taking action to mitigate climate change and adapt to its inevitable effects.
Taking steps for a sustainable future
With this simulation, it becomes essential to become aware of the need to adopt concrete and urgent measures. Whether in Montpellier, Toulouse or elsewhere in the world, it is imperative to:
- Educate and raise awareness about future climate realities.
- Invest in climate-resilient technologies and infrastructure.
- Encourage sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
- Promote public policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
By taking such measures, we may be able to prevent Montpellier from becoming a new Irapuato and Toulouse a new Dalby, and guarantee a better future for future generations.