Heat wave in Europe: Why are residents skeptical about air conditioners?
As Europe experiences increasingly intense heatwaves with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees, there is still a question that puzzles visitors from warmer regions of the world – why are so many homes, schools and even hospitals still without air conditioning?A Wall Street Journal report explores the continent’s longstanding aversion to air conditioning, tracking it in everything from climate goals and heritage preservation to noise complaints and urban planning.This question has gained urgency after the recent heat wave pushed European infrastructure to its limits. Roads have melted, tram lines have collapsed, train services have been disrupted, power grids have been strained and hospitals are struggling to cope, while record temperatures have gripped many countries. But despite climate deterioration, Europe’s relationship with air conditioning remains very complex.
“I don’t want to look like America”
To many European planners, rows of outdoor air conditioning units are viewed as visually unappealing and incompatible with historic neighborhoods.The Wall Street Journal quoted Audrey Bolvar, deputy mayor of Paris, as saying: “The goal is not to be like some Italian, Brazilian or American city where there are whole rows, whole walls of heaters outside buildings that make an unbearable noise, emitting heat and toxic fumes.”
In cities like Paris, visible air conditioning units could be rejected if they spoil the iconic limestone facades of Haussmann-era buildings.
People shade from the sun under umbrellas as they walk in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican (AP)
“Very noisy”
In parts of Europe, installing an air conditioner is not just a decision made by the homeowner.Apartment residents may need consent from neighbours, while local authorities can also intervene with planning rules, energy targets or noise concerns.According to the report, French law allows building associations to object if the air conditioning unit exceeds strict noise limits, which are roughly equivalent to the sound of a light breeze.
Lawyer Christophe Sanson, who specializes in noise disputes, told the newspaper that his firm now handles more than 100 cases related to air conditioning systems.“It’s a sound that can penetrate concrete, it’s very powerful and it can be very annoying,” he said.Luca Fonaru, 32, who suffers from a rare genetic disease, has spent the past two years trying to get permission to install an air conditioning unit in the courtyard of his apartment building in the Marais district of Paris.
His neighbors have repeatedly objected, saying the unit would be too noisy.
Climate concerns
Europe has long viewed air conditioners as energy-intensive machines that could undermine its climate ambitions.Instead, authorities promoted alternatives such as better insulation, natural ventilation, shutters, tree cover, and urban greening.However, the report notes that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change considers air conditioning a highly effective way to protect people during extreme heat, while classifying measures such as urban green spaces and mechanical ventilation as less effective during prolonged heatwaves.Oxford University climate scientist Radhika Khosla said countries should combine better building design with air conditioning rather than relying exclusively on either.“You want to use it for what is really needed rather than making it your perfect solution,” she said.Moreover, French Climate Minister Monique Barbot said that air conditioners cannot be placed everywhere.“I’m terrified of people who say, ‘We should just put air conditioning everywhere.’
Do you think this will prevent forest fires? Do you think this will prevent the crop from dying? Barbot said.
A man on a train wipes sweat from his face on a hot day in London (AFP)
Europe was not built for 40 degrees
Much of Europe’s infrastructure was designed for a colder climate, when temperatures above 40°C were rare.The report said that only about 25% of homes in France and about 5% in the United Kingdom have air conditioning, compared to about 56% in Italy.During the recent heatwave, thousands of schools closed, businesses scaled back operations and rail services were disrupted.
Economists at ING said the conditions “brought back memories of pandemic lockdowns.”The temperature in Paris exceeded 40 degrees Celsius last week for only the fourth time since official records began in the nineteenth century.“We have always worked on the assumption that this scenario is possible starting in 2030… and now we realize that we are already there,” Bolvar said.
ACs have become a political flashpoint
As temperatures rise, air conditioning has become an intolerable political issue.Far-right leader Marine Le Pen has called for the expansion of air conditioning systems nationwide, saying: “These heat waves are killing; we must implement a master plan for air conditioning!”Despite the resistance, attitudes began to shift. The report noted that portable air conditioning units are becoming increasingly popular in England, while London Mayor Sadiq Khan recently said that schools, hospitals and offices should be equipped with cooling systems.
