Why is climate change adaptation a key issue?

Xavier Roseren (Member of Parliament for Haute-Savoie): “Adaptation is a key issue because in the mountains, in the Alps and everywhere in mountainous areas, warming is happening twice as fast as in the heart of France.” “Since it is warming twice as fast, mountain regions must therefore be exemplary. Climate change will endanger our mountain economy, especially the winter tourism economy linked to snow.” “The mountains must also set an example. That means that, because warming happens more quickly, they must show the way and find the necessary adaptations to maintain economic activity, but also to allow residents to continue living in our mountain resorts.” “Actually, these are priority challenges because we have exceptional natural heritage in the mountains, but we also have significant economic activity. We must succeed in combining both for it to work.” “We must continue to produce renewable energy by using mountain water for hydropower. Speaking of water, we must also pay attention to our water resources, because a few years ago, we believed we would never lack water in the mountains.” “But we can imagine that in 10, 20 or 30 years, if we mismanage our water resources, we will face water shortages in the mountains.” “And then the most important thing: insulating our buildings, because 50% of mountain buildings are thermal sieves.” “And of course, working on all forms of decarbonized public transport: valley lifts (meaning ski lifts used as transportation), but also buses using gas, hydrogen, or electric technologies whenever possible.” “It is the combination of all these elements that will allow us to succeed in the mountain transition.”