The Heat of the Action: A Lesson on Political Engagement, in Paris

The Philanthropist's Conversation

Urban heat is not just a weather phenomenon; it’s also something we can respond to socially. But the cities we live in are complex. Between government powers, private actors, and the public’s understanding of the issue, there are several moving parts to coordinate to achieve resilience.

So how does a city get mobilized around the heat question? What do we need to organize political action? And crucially: how can Social Architecture help fulfill resilience goals?

In the second episode of the Philanthropist’s Conversation: Social Architecture to Address Urban Heat, our host Paula takes us to Paris to answer these questions.

Paris is a city that has been paving the way for heat resilience for over two decades. From its world-famous architecture to its history of political engagement, the French capital has taken adaptation seriously since 2003, after a devastating heat wave gave authorities a wake-up call. The city has since developed a web of incentives and services to respond to urban heat, and map out a more resilient future.

Today, we dissect the city’s political wiring, with a deep dive into the Parisian Mayor’s Office. We discuss local partnerships between city government and the private sector, and we also meet up with key actors in the field of urban heat; including Alexandre Florentin, who is at the forefront of this movement.

Together, we find out what it takes to connect with civil society, and engage actors across the board, beyond political party lines.

Ready to get in the heat of the action? Then, welcome to Paris.

Highlights:

• A Heat Management crisis scenario (1:08)
• What is Paris like when it’s hot? (7:05)
• Parisian urban design: the Haussmann revolution (9:28)
• Why it’s difficult to adapt old architecture (13:50)
• A dive into the City of Paris Mayor’s Office (17:41)
• Bridging the gap between the public and private sector (24:27)
• The “Paris at 50 Degrees” project, with Alexandre Florentin (30:21)
• How to rally different political perspectives around the heat question (36:36)
• Commitment, partnerships, and education: the recipe for social change (40:50)
• Beyond adaptation: what about innovation? (42:45)

Links:

• Episode Resources
• Pegasus Website
• Arup Website
• Alexandre Florentin LinkedIn
• Julie Roussel LinkedIn
• Lenio Myrivili LinkedIn