‘Kind of miracle solution’: How Paris is harnessing the Seine to replace air-con

As Europe faces increasingly intense heatwaves, Paris is turning to a unique solution to combat rising temperatures: a district cooling network harnessing the Seine River's chilled water. This ambitious system, originally conceived in the 1990s, aims to triple its 120km network of underground pipes. By distributing cooled river water to major buildings, it reduces reliance on traditional air-conditioning, offering a potentially sustainable alternative. This initiative not only addresses immediate cooling needs but also sets a precedent for cities worldwide grappling with climate change.