The heatwaves that have hit France in recent months could result in €10 billion to €15 billion ($17 billion) in direct and indirect costs, French environment minister Monique Barbut said on Wednesday.
Barbut cited estimates from France’s national statistics agency, INSEE, and said that the heatwave period was not over yet.
The 2022 drought resulted in €5.6 billion in direct and indirect costs, but this year’s heatwaves have been longer and more intense, with more extensive forest fires and a greater decline in agricultural production, she said.
Barbut also said that the continuing drought in the country has left more than 40,000 people facing water cuts.
Economists and academics estimate Europe’s record heat and drought this summer could cost hundreds of billions of euros, as global-warming-driven extremes disrupt power, shipping and public health, while wildfires threaten to make this Europe’s worst season on record.
($1 = 0.8654 euros)
(Reporting by Charlotte Van Campenhout; editing by Alex Richardson)
Photograph: Firefighters work to suppress a fire near Ares, during wildfires in the area of southwestern France, on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Baz Ratner, Pool)
Related:
- ‘Chronic’ Heat Risk in Europe Draws Warning From Swiss Re
- Europe’s Wildfire Season Exposes Climate Insurance Protection Gap
- Climate Change Made ‘Fire Weather’ in France, Spain More Likely
- Insurers Are ‘Actively Evaluating’ New Catastrophe Risks as Europe Burns
- France Finance Minister Warns of Economic Shock for Region Hit by Fires
Topics France
Was this article valuable?
Here are more articles you may enjoy.
Chipwich Maker Withdraws Lawsuit Against Insurance Agency 
Drivers of Mercedes AMG Cars File Class Action Over Burn Hazard From Logo on Seat 
Can Reinsurers Maintain Underwriting Discipline or Will ‘Irrational’ Competition Return? 
2,900 Required Condo Inspections Were Never Completed, Florida Report Finds 
