From ‘heat panic’ to ‘sacrificed at the altar’: Europe’s air conditioning culture wars heat up

As Europe struggles to cope with its worst heatwave on record, the lack of air conditioning in many homes has become a contentious issue. In Germany, where temperatures recently soared to a record 41.7C, only 6% of homes have fixed air conditioning. This has led to criticism from some quarters, with accusations that governments are prioritizing environmental concerns over the health and well-being of their citizens. However, health experts argue that a nuanced approach to air conditioning is needed, with a focus on protecting vulnerable groups such as the elderly and young children, rather than widespread adoption in private homes.

The World Health Organization's Europe office recommends that air conditioning be used to protect those at high risk, while also investing in longer-term solutions such as shade, insulation, and cooling centers. This approach has been shown to be effective, with death tolls from heatwaves decreasing by 75% over the past two decades. Nevertheless, the current heatwave is likely to result in a significant number of deaths, with estimates suggesting thousands of people may have lost their lives. The use of air conditioning in public spaces such as hospitals, care homes, and schools is widely supported, but its adoption in private homes remains a topic of debate.

The debate over air conditioning has become increasingly politicized, with some far-right parties accusing mainstream governments of prioritizing climate ideology over human life. In Germany, the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party has called for increased use of air conditioning, while in France, Marine Le Pen's National Rally has made it a core focus of their campaign. This has been fueled in part by commentary from the US, where air conditioning is the norm, with some arguing that Europe's lack of air conditioning is evidence of a misguided and overregulated approach to climate change.

Despite the controversy, experts point out that the climate impact of air conditioning in Europe is relatively small and set to decrease further as the continent transitions to renewable energy sources. Additionally, there is little evidence to suggest that red tape or climate concerns are the main reasons for the low adoption rate of air conditioning in Europe. Instead, factors such as cost, cultural attitudes, and the relatively mild climate in some regions have contributed to the slow uptake of air conditioning.

As temperatures continue to rise, the demand for air conditioning is likely to increase, particularly in regions with high temperatures. In south-east Asia, for example, the number of air conditioners is expected to rise ninefold between 2020 and 2040. While there are downsides to air conditioning, such as the urban heat island effect and increased energy use, experts argue that a balanced approach can help mitigate these impacts while also protecting human health.

In some European countries, such as Italy and Spain, the adoption of air conditioning has been more widespread, with over half of households in these countries using air conditioning. However, in countries like Germany, where the uptake of air conditioning has been slower, some homeowners are still hesitant to install air conditioning, citing the relatively low number of hot days as a reason not to invest in the technology. As the debate over air conditioning continues, it is clear that a nuanced approach is needed, one that balances the need to protect human health with the need to address the environmental impacts of climate change.