The French government has significantly cut the budget for renovating schools in response to extreme heat, reducing funding from 50 million euros to 10 million euros. This decision means that only 2,500 schools will receive support, down from the original plan of 12,500 schools, according to Guillaume Perrin, general director of the Actee program. The program, which is funded by energy savings certificates, is managed by the government, which decides how to allocate collected funds. Perrin confirmed that 40 million euros of the original 50 million have been frozen, pending a new allocation by the government, as reported by Politico. The funds were initially intended to implement quick actions in schools, such as free energy diagnostics and small improvements like installing air circulators and blinds, which can help reduce indoor temperatures. The original plan aimed to reach about a quarter of the 42,000 schools in France, focusing on those most affected by the heat. Specifically, the 2,500 priority schools would include those that were completely closed during the last heatwave in May and June and 10,000 schools with a confirmed risk of heat-related issues. Perrin emphasized that the current plan only allows for free audits and does not include the installation of air circulators or blinds. Local authorities would need to find additional funding, such as from the Green Fund, which has also been reduced. He noted that the total cost of 50 million euros was significant, with smaller schools requiring between 10,000 and 40,000 euros for necessary improvements. These upgrades can lower classroom temperatures by 7 to 8 degrees Celsius, making a substantial difference during heatwaves. Perrin expressed concern about the reduced plan, noting that without immediate action, schools will not be prepared for future heatwaves. He warned that local authorities may not have enough time to secure additional funds for necessary improvements. The government has stated that the frozen funds are available but will be redirected to other priority actions. This summer saw an unprecedented number of heatwave days, with 53 days recorded, according to Météo-France. Temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius in 45% of the territory, marking a summer worse than the record-breaking summer of 2003.