‘Don’t want to look like America’: 5 reasons why Europe is against air conditioning despite summer melt
As Europe experiences an increasingly intense heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees, one question continues to vex visitors from warmer parts of the world – why do so many homes, schools and even hospitals still lack air conditioning?A Wall Street Journal report explores the continent’s longstanding aversion to air conditioning, tracing it to everything from climate goals and heritage protection to noise complaints and urban planning.The issue has become even more pressing as recent heatwaves have pushed Europe’s infrastructure to its limits. Roads are melting, tram tracks are buckling, train services are disrupted, power grids are under strain and hospitals are struggling to cope, while record-breaking temperatures sweep across countries. Yet despite a deteriorating climate, Europe’s relationship with air conditioning remains complex.
“Don’t want to look like America”
For many European planners, rows of outdoor air conditioning units are considered visually unappealing and incompatible with historic neighborhoods.The Wall Street Journal quoted Paris Deputy Mayor Audrey Purval as saying: “The goal is not to set up rows and walls of convectors outside buildings, like some cities in Italy, Brazil or the United States, making unbearable noise, releasing heat and toxic fumes.”In cities like Paris, buildings may be rejected if visible air conditioning ruins the iconic limestone facades of Haussmann-era buildings.
People use parasols to protect themselves from the sun as they walk through St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican (AP)
“It’s noisy”
In parts of Europe, installing air conditioning isn’t just a homeowner’s decision.Apartment dwellers may need neighbours’ approval, while local authorities may also intervene over planning rules, energy targets or noise issues.French law reportedly allows building societies to object if air conditioning units exceed strict noise limits, roughly equivalent to the sound of a gentle breeze. Christophe Sanson, a lawyer who specializes in noise disputes, told the newspaper that his firm currently handles more than 100 cases involving air conditioning systems.“It’s a sound that can penetrate concrete and is extremely powerful and deeply disturbing,” he said.Luca Funaro, 32, who has a rare genetic disease, has spent the past two years trying to get permission to install air conditioning in the courtyard of his apartment building in the Marais district of Paris. His neighbors repeatedly objected, saying the unit was too noisy.
climate issues
Europe has long viewed air conditioners as energy-intensive machines that could undermine its climate goals.Instead, authorities promoted alternatives such as better insulation, natural ventilation, blinds, tree cover and urban greening.However, the report notes that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change considers air conditioning to be an efficient way to protect people during extreme hot weather, while measures such as urban greening and mechanical ventilation are less effective during prolonged heat waves.Radhika Khosla, a climate scientist at the University of Oxford, said countries should combine better building design with air conditioning rather than rely solely on either.“You want to use it where it’s really needed and not have it be your go-to solution,” she said.In addition, French Climate Minister Moncho Barbe said that air conditioners cannot be placed everywhere.“I’m appalled by people who say ‘we just have to put air conditioning everywhere’. Do you think this will prevent forest fires? Do you think this will prevent crops from dying? “Babut said.
A man wipes sweat from his face on a train on a hot day in London (AP)
Europe was not built for 40 degrees
Much of Europe’s infrastructure is designed for cool climates, when temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius are rare.Only about 25% of households in France have air conditioning, only about 5% of households in the UK have air conditioning, and about 56% of households in Italy have air conditioning, the report said.Thousands of schools closed, businesses reduced operations and rail services were disrupted during the recent heat wave. Economists at ING said the situation was “reminiscent of lockdowns during the pandemic”.Temperatures in Paris also exceeded 40°C last week, the fourth time since official records began in the 19th century.“We have always assumed that this was possible starting in 2030… and now we realize that we have done it,” Purwar said.
AC becomes a political hot topic
As temperatures rise, air conditioning has become an unlikely political issue.Far-right leader Marine Le Pen has called for the expansion of air conditioning systems across the country, saying: “These heat waves will kill people; we must implement a major air conditioning program!”Despite the resistance, attitudes are starting to change. The report notes that portable air-conditioning units are increasingly common in the UK, while London Mayor Sadiq Khan recently argued that schools, hospitals and offices should be equipped with cooling systems.
