Paris. By the end of the century: a France at +4°C, with heat peaks reaching 50°C. This perspective calls for a new way of thinking: do everything to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but also anticipate the hazards of climate change now. On September 19, at the Théâtre de l’Odéon, several specialists from the cultural sector came together to present the results of their recent studies, which highlight the vulnerabilities faced by museums, art centers and performing arts, while providing avenues for reflection.
An observation is essential: the question is still emerging within the structures. If the analysis of the carbon footprint is becoming more and more widespread, thinking about preventive measures still remains an isolated act. “ We had the feeling that the adaptation was a bit of a blind spot, something unthought of, perhaps even a denial,” reports Dominique Béhar, eco-advisor and member of the Arviva association (Living Arts, Sustainable Arts), which supports live performance structures in their ecological transition. Conducted at the start of the year (by interviewing 117 professionals in the sector), their survey highlights the lack of implementation of a structured adaptation strategy in live performance, very often due to lack of time and resources, or sometimes even due to ignorance. “Among all cultural establishments, museums are perhaps those which have most developed the culture and expertise of risk,” explains Laurence Perrillat, co-founder of the Les Augures collective. But there is still a long way to go, as the effects of climate change worsen.
In their study “Museums facing the effects of climate change” published in September, Les Augures and the consulting firm EcoAct took stock of the main risks faced by museums. Of the 1,225 museums labeled “Musée de France”, 38 will be exposed to rising sea levels and 153 to more than a month of severe drought by 2050, 97 exposed to forest fires by 2100… Conducted in parallel, a qualitative study highlights the two major concerns of institutions: extreme heat and precipitation, which have repercussions on both visiting and working conditions as well as on the collections and the buildings.
Adapted tools
To act on your scale, several pieces of advice are then provided. Firstly, carry out a vulnerability diagnosis to be able to establish an adaptation plan adjusted to its structure. “Support systems can be created quickly. There are tools, studies, benchmarks…”explains Dominique Béhar. To identify risks, the OCARA method (“Operational Climate Adaptation and Resilience Assessment”) is a reference. Other recommendations include the training of employees in good practices as well as the integration of adaptation clauses in business continuity plans and in equipment contracts. Then, in terms of development, cover the roofs in zinc, green the spaces and favor the free cooling (nocturnal superventilation) to the air conditioning.
From these interventions several avenues for reflection arise. But also point out several obstacles, which often limit the room for maneuver: the complexity of finding a relay with partners, the lack of dedicated time and financing, the question of the scope of responsibility which comes into play as soon as we touch the building. “The status of historic monument imposes strong constraints, particularly in carrying out work. It is impossible to insulate from the outside or green the facades”corroborates engineer Aurélien Stumpf Mascles, who led the study “Playing at 50°” on the adaptation of the Odéon to climate change, published in July. The theater is exploring other adaptation solutions, particularly with a view to the summer period. Among them, scheduling shorter shows, staggering performance times, but also thinking about the shared use of the theater, which would be one of the cool places to take refuge during heatwaves.
