Europe Fights Air Conditioning Amid Rising Heat-Related Deaths

France experienced record heat last week, linked to approximately 1,000 deaths of mostly elderly individuals. Europe, with its oldest population and fastest-warming climate globally, faces a significant heat-related death problem. According to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, over 1,300 heat-related excess deaths have occurred in Europe since June 21.

European officials are advocating for change, though not necessarily the obvious solution of widespread air conditioning. A 2007 study found that air conditioning could reduce heat-related deaths by 75%, yet only about 20% of Europeans have it at home. In contrast, around 90% of Americans do.

Ine Vandecasteele, an urban adaptation expert with the European Environment Agency, stated that installing more air conditioning is not a long-term solution as it increases environmental warming and costs. Europe’s higher energy prices make alternative cooling methods like public stations more viable.

Italy stands out with about 56% of homes equipped with air conditioning in 2024, accounting for one-third of all EU electricity used on air conditioning. A recent French survey revealed that one in six people would prefer to endure environmental challenges rather than compromise future generations’ well-being.