Air conditioning push favoured over emissions cuts in five European nations, survey finds
A YouGov survey across five European nations reveals that a majority of citizens prioritize the adoption of air conditioning to combat extreme heat over immediate carbon emission reductions. Many respondents support government subsidies and relaxed regulations to make cooling systems more accessible in homes.
Why it matters
This highlights a significant public policy dilemma where immediate climate adaptation needs are currently being prioritized over long-term climate mitigation goals.
Air conditioning units hang on the facade of a residential building in Seville, southern Spain./Getty Images Air conditioning units hang on the facade of a residential building in Seville, southern Spain./Getty Images Extreme heat Air conditioning push favoured over emissions cuts in five European nations, survey finds Poll also finds sizeable majorities who believe it should be easier to install air con in homes
Prefer the Guardian on Google Given the choice, more people across five major European nations including the UK favour encouraging the adoption of air conditioning over keeping carbon emissions down, a survey has found.
After four extreme heatwaves that have caused thousands of excess deaths across the continent, the survey showed between 30% and 52% of people in six countries had feared for their household’s health in temperatures close to or above 40C (104F).
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