A heatwave this week that has seen record temperatures and forest fires was also a stark
reminder of the impact of climate change and the need to consume less fossil fuel,
government spokesman Olivier Veran told reporters in Paris. “When you go away for the
weekend or on vacation, switch off as many electrical appliances as possible,” Veran said
following a weekly cabinet meeting. “Unplug your wifi, lower the AC a bit. And of course
turn the lights off when you’re not in the room.”
President Emmanuel Macron has urged companies, citizens and local administrations to work
on contingency plans during the summer to avoid a difficult winter as Europe grapples with
its worst energy supply crunch in decades. While France is less dependent on Russian gas
than some neighbors, it has been hampered by issues at its nuclear plants, which provide
more than half the country’s energy.
French Government Urges Energy Saving
