«I call it a tropical greenhouse.» The defendant used this phrase to describe the situation at the elementary school in the southwest of France, in the town of Souston. What initially sounded exaggerated turned out to be disturbingly accurate. At the Isle-Verte school in Landes, temperatures over 50 degrees were recorded under the large glass roof. The consequence: on Thursday and Friday the school closed its doors.
Several children complained of fatigue, some felt unwell, others had to vomit. Learning under such conditions? Hardly imaginable. The school was built in the 1980s, partially has simple glazing, and is attended by about 350 students. It is precisely the architectural elements that once symbolized light and openness that have now turned into a real heat trap.
The incident in Souston is not just a local news story from southwestern France. It is a symbol of a development affecting the entire country. France is currently experiencing an exceptionally early and unusually intense heat wave. Meteorologists call this a historic weather event for May. Already at the end of May, temperatures were recorded that resemble the height of summer more than spring. In Angoulême-La Couronne, the thermometer rose to 37.8 degrees — a new record for this month.
This puts the focus on a question that has long been discussed mostly theoretically: are public buildings in France prepared for the climate of the future?
Many schools were built at a time when periods of extreme heat were rare. Large windows were considered modern, and complex shading systems were often regarded as excessive. Today, the downside of such construction is apparent. As soon as the sun shines unobstructed on glass surfaces for several days in a row, classrooms and inner courtyards turn into heat reservoirs.
In the short term, city communities resort to pragmatic solutions. Windows are left open at night, fans run at full capacity, and water sprayers slightly refresh the air. However, such measures often seem like a band-aid on an increasingly large wound.
In fact, the challenge lies in building adaptation. More shade thanks to trees and sun sails, better thermal insulation, natural ventilation, greened schoolyards, and fewer concrete areas are central components of such changes. All of this costs money — and not a small amount. Especially smaller communities face the difficult task of adapting infrastructure to new climatic conditions, while simultaneously planning other investments.
The school in Suston therefore seems like a warning signal. Children are one of the most vulnerable groups during extreme heat. If classrooms reach temperatures that resemble a greenhouse more than a place for learning, the issue is no longer about comfort, but about health and safety.
What is happening today in Landes could become the norm in many regions tomorrow. Schools in France thus effortlessly become an early warning system for climate adaptation. The question is no longer whether public buildings should respond to more frequent heat waves. The crucial question is how quickly this can be achieved.
Andreas M. B.