Extreme Weather in Scotland and France

Jonathan Black speaks to Debra Black from Glasgow and Yvain Mouneu from Paris about climate change for the ‘100 Voices: Home and Away’ project

Home - Debra Black, 53, Glasgow

Scotland has not been immune to the effects of climate change; experiencing record levels of flooding and storms of increasing magnitude. Debra Black, 53, a Call Handler from Corkerhill, said: “The storms have been getting worse. In the last two years both trees in my garden have fallen as result, causing damage to my car and blocking the pavement.”

Debra believes that if public transport was cheaper Scots would opt for it: “Transport costs here are one of the highest in Europe. If we had subsidised transport, it would be a huge incentive for people.”

Away - Yvain Mouneu, 34, Paris

France has been experiencing the devastating effects of climate change in recent years. Yvain Mouneu, 34, a climate activist from Paris, said: “In the south of France we have seen extreme heatwaves, causing draughts and wildfires. We have also seen severe storms, with several towns experiencing flooding and heavy damage to local infrastructure.”

Transport has been a key battleground regarding climate change in France; in 2019 the Citizen’s Climate Convention made 150 recommendations:

“The convention proposed the banning of air travel for journeys of less than four hours in France and an emissions tax for higher polluting vehicles. Unfortunately, this has not been backed by the Government.”