Eight facts about air conditioning amid an overheated global debate
This article examines the rising debate over air conditioning in Europe, noting that low adoption rates are largely due to historical climate patterns rather than cultural hostility. It highlights how climate change is shifting the necessity for cooling technology in regions that previously did not require it.
Why it matters
Understanding the intersection of climate change and infrastructure is critical for policy decisions regarding energy consumption and public health in warming regions.
As successive heatwaves hit Europe, air-conditioning (AC) has emerged as a new front in the international “ culture war ” over climate action.
France, Germany and the UK have experienced record-breaking heat and thousands of heat-related deaths this summer, with June temperatures in many regions passing 40C.
This has drawn attention to the relatively low rates of AC use in these countries – and in Europe as a whole – especially when compared to its widespread adoption in the US.
Legacy newspapers , bloggers and even Elon Musk have all weighed in on “ European hostility ” to AC, criticising Europe’s “ cultural conservatism ” and “ overbearing governments ”.
Right-wing politicians, including National Rally in France and the UK Conservatives , have styled themselves as champions of AC, while opposing efforts to tackle climate change.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in