Is Europe embracing air conditioning as deadly heat waves become more common?
Europe is experiencing brutally hot summers and record-breaking heat in June. While air conditioning adoption remains low compared to the U.S., deadly heat waves are fueling a debate over whether the continent should embrace the technology. Some residents currently rely on cold showers, ice packs, and electric fans to cope.
What changed
Recent record-breaking June heatwaves have renewed the debate over Europe's low air conditioning adoption rates.
Live updates
-
Europe Faces AC Adoption Debate Amid Rising Temperatures
confidence 90%Europe is experiencing brutally hot summers and record-breaking heat in June. While air conditioning adoption remains low compared to the U.S., deadly heat waves are fueling a debate over whether the continent should embrace the technology. Some residents currently rely on cold showers, ice packs, and electric fans to cope.
What's confirmed:
- Approximately 20% of European homes have air conditioning, while nearly 90% of U.S. homes have it.
- European summers are becoming brutally hot.
- Scientists state that European heat waves would be virtually impossible without climate change.
Still unconfirmed:
- Marine Le Pen views air conditioning as the obvious solution to heat waves.
- Environmentalists describe air conditioning as a dangerous maladaptation.