“Fournaise: in search of a livable city” is the documentary against ecological anxiety

COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh (Egypt) closed on Sunday 20 November, offering little or no additional commitment from states, as global warming continues to increase year after year. The disappointment was great for observers and activists of the climate cause, and it was all the more so for the ever more numerous eco-anxious.

At present, by the end of the century, the climate should increase by 2.8°C, still warns the UN. The first is the first affected will be the most precarious but also those who live in big citiesthe more cemented areas and therefore less able to bring down the temperatures during the summer. In 2050, Marseille will experience the same temperatures as Marrakech currently and Lyon will approach the heat of Madrid.

In these conditions, where everything seems finally resolved (and ruined) in advance, are there still means to stem, or at least try to stem, what constitutes the greatest challenge ever faced by humanity? Faced with the lack of decisions and means on the part of the States, we would be tempted to respond negatively.

Nevertheless, it is possible to imagine a “livable” future, in this world in which we will inevitably have to adapt. This is what he wanted to show Numeramabe aware of a 50-minute documentary that aims to meet those who already have livable alternatives to build the city of tomorrow.

“Fournaise”, a documentary that gives hope for a livable city

From Strasbourg to Ungersheim, Numerama it went towards those who imagine the city of tomorrowa city adapted to climate change.

How to refresh cities? And if the solution lay in the creation of islands of freshness? Did you know that a river used to flow in Paris, the Bièvre (it is now buried under concrete). How about planting trees in city school playgrounds? At the rate of 600 schools, 70 hectares of greenery would be covered to refresh the Parisian bitumen a little.

In France, between 3 and 4% of journeys are made by bicycle

Refreshing the city is good for you. But how to breathe better, when nearly 50,000 people die every year from air pollution? The documentary takes us to Strasbourg, one of the most advanced cities in terms of cycling policywhere pedestrians, public transport, bicycles and cars coexist in an intelligent and serene way. But “Fournaise” also teaches us that in France between 3 and 4% of journeys are made by bicycle, when our German or Belgian neighbors are much more advanced than us. What can we learn from them?

“The urgency is there, the solutions too”

But imagining a livable city also means reinventing the way we produce and consume energy. “It’s okay to want to put trams everywhere, but if they run on electricity produced from coal, that’s no good,” explains the journalist, who this time takes us to Ungersheim, a city in Alsace aiming for energy and food independence. The particularity of the city lies in the solar panels that supply energy to many public structures, such as the municipal swimming pool, whose water is heated by solar energy. From a food point of view, the city has created a “Municipal Agricultural Entity”, responsible for the production of fruit and vegetables for canteens and grocery stores in particular. The target. the goal? Limit the circuit of foods that can be produced locally to be consumed more responsibly.

In 50 minutes, “Fournaise” manages to give positive perspectives for the future and lines of thought for a more livable world, and we really need it right now. A documentary that deserves to be brought to the ears of as many people as possible. In conclusion, a lesson to be drawn from these many initiatives that give hope: “The urgency is there, the solutions as well. Now it’s up to our leaders to live up to the ideas of those on the move. » On good terms?

Cover image: Unsplash / George Chandrinos