On September 15, a coalition of groups that had not previously collaborated gathered in front of the Ministry of Economy and Finance to voice a shared concern. Thierry Amouroux, a spokesperson for the Syndicat National des Professionnels Infirmiers (SNPI), explained that the alliance includes nurses, firefighters, environmental groups, solidarity organizations, and citizens, all united in their response to the growing threat of climate change. The group highlights the impact of recent heatwaves on healthcare professionals and their patients. Amouroux noted that extreme heat has led to worsening health conditions in hospitals, with patients experiencing complications due to high temperatures, even in what should be controlled medical environments. Amouroux described the physical and mental toll on healthcare workers during these heatwaves, pointing out that high temperatures can lead to concentration issues and increase the risk of medical errors. He emphasized that the effects of climate change are now visibly impacting patients, with symptoms such as dehydration, kidney failure, and worsening of chronic conditions becoming more common. These findings are supported by recent health statistics, which recorded 8,124 excess deaths during heat episodes between May and the end of August 2026. Amouroux stressed the urgency of addressing these issues before the next summer, recalling the 2003 heatwave that led to significant improvements in care for elderly residents, including the installation of air conditioning in many facilities. The SNPI describes some healthcare facilities as "medicalized greenhouses," highlighting the extreme temperatures experienced by both patients and staff. During this summer, temperatures in some rooms reached 35 or even 40 degrees Celsius. In response, some caregivers resorted to using survival blankets on windows to protect patients from solar radiation. Amouroux called for a "national climate adaptation program" for hospitals and EHPADs (Etablissements d'Hébergement pour Personnes Âgées Dépendantes), which would include measures such as solar protection, insulation, ventilation, and the installation of air conditioning where necessary. The SNPI also emphasized the need for a "Heat at Home Plan" to address the risks faced by vulnerable individuals living in homes that are not adequately protected from extreme heat. This plan would involve identifying at-risk individuals, providing support during heat alerts, and conducting home visits to assess health and housing conditions. The union noted that many of the required skills and resources already exist within the healthcare and social services sectors, but better coordination is needed. They also pointed to the Solidarity Day fund, which was established after the 2003 heatwave, as a potential source of funding for climate adaptation efforts. With 3.5 billion euros available annually, the SNPI believes this money could be used to improve the resilience of healthcare facilities and homes occupied by the elderly, disabled, or chronically ill. Amouroux suggested that air conditioning for all EHPADs could be achieved for less than 2 billion euros, underscoring the feasibility of such measures.