Science at UM [S05-ep07]: The vulnerability of farms in Haut-Languedoc
This week on Science at UM, three economists: Abderaouf Zaatra (Ciheam), Mélanie Requier (Ciheam) and Hélène Rey-Valette (Cee-m). They talk to us about a study conducted in Haut-Languedoc on the vulnerability of farms to climate change. Marianne Dupré-Gabirot, head of the scientific culture department, presents the new season of the Science Bar. The program is broadcast every Wednesday on the radio station Divergence.
Although winter has been a little harsher than usual at the start of this year, the January frosts do not change Météo France's alarming findings: 2025, like 2022, 2023, and 2024 before it, are the hottest years ever recorded in France since 1900.
Climate change, which will be the subject of the upcoming issue of Lum magazine (just a little teaser), primarily affects agriculture, especially in our northern regions, which are even more affected than the rest of France. A few dozen kilometers from here, in Haut-Languedoc, a very rural area covering 1,900km² stretching from Orb in the north to Capestan in the south and from the Lauragais plain in the west to Béziers in the east, the number of farms has fallen by 60% in just over 20 years. This decline clearly calls into question our region's resilience. And while climate change is not the only cause, it will be the main factor in the coming years if nothing is done.
So how can we combat this? First, by having an accurate perception of our vulnerability and the factors contributing to it. That's for farmers! Second, by making informed strategic choices. That's for the public authorities! To respond to this dual challenge, our guests conducted a study that combines these two approaches: assessing the vulnerability of farms and assessing farmers' perception of vulnerability factors. An article published in Land magazine on July 1, 2025.
Abderaouf Zaatra and Mélanie Requier are researchers at the International Center for Advanced Agronomic Studies in Montpellier (CIHEAM), Hélène Rey-Valette is a researcher at the Center for Environmental Economics in Montpellier (CEEM).
Read also:
Abderaouf Zaatra's thesis entitled: Vulnerability of farms and preferences for adapting to climate change in the Haut Languedoc region and vineyards.
Our last-minute guest is Marianne Dupré-Gabirot, head of the scientific culture department at UM. She presents the new season of the science bar. The next event will take place on January 29 at 7:30 p.m. at Le Dôme brasserie, as always. The theme? Viral diseases, between panic and trivialization. It's seasonal!
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Co-production: Divergence FM / University of Montpellier
Host: Lucie Lecherbonnier
Interview: Lucie Lecherbonnier / Aline Périault
Production: Alice Rollet
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