Europe is now reeling under an unusual heatwave, with temperatures going past 40 degrees Celsius, but only 20% of the homes in European countries have air conditioning. With heatwaves growing longer and hotter, people are now struggling to adapt to record-breaking temperatures.
Traditionally, European countries have not felt the need for an air conditioner and have opted for low-tech alternatives—closing the windows, switching on the fan and keeping water and ice nearby. With the temperature soaring to record highs, killing dozens, and schools forced to shut, it seems that Europe’s ‘come-to-AC’ moment, as The Atlantic describes it, has finally arrived.
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Years?
In France, things have reached a point where a ban has been imposed on drinking alcohol in public, with temperatures at 40.9 degrees Celsius. Europe is now already beginning to adopt more cooling systems to tackle the brutal heat wave.
Which Are The World’s Least Air-Conditioned Countries?
United Kingdom: Britain has traditionally seen little reason to install ACs in homes, schools and hospitals as summers are usually mild. The average temperature in July has been 22-24 degrees Celsius, and homes have historically been designed for the colder weather to keep the heat in.
France: Despite having a higher AC penetration as compared to other European neighbours, France has traditionally been sceptical of air conditioning, with environmental groups warning that it could increase electricity use and urban heat. Many older apartments in cities like Paris rely on shutters, fans and natural ventilation instead.
Germany: Air conditioning in Germany is uncommon, with many homes and apartments designed for colder months. People have usually relied for ventilation to ward off the heat, but the recent heatwaves have led to increasing demand for air conditioning.
Ireland: Air conditioning has been rare in Ireland due to the country’s cool, oceanic climate. As with others, Irish homes are designed to tackle long and damp winters and are not suited for the harsh summer.
Switzerland: The country has had limited residential air-conditioning due to its cool, Alpine climate. Switzerland also has strict building energy regulations and efficiency standards to limit high electricity consumption.
Netherlands: Like other countries, the Netherlands has historically relied on natural ventilation and well-insulated homes rather than air conditioning as a result of its mild summer. However, there has been a growing demand for air-conditioning units due to sweltering temperatures.
Nordic Countries: Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark and Iceland have among the lowest air conditioning rates in the world because summers have historically been short and cool. However, even these countries have not escaped the brunt of unusually higher summer temperatures, leading to growing demand for AC units.
Why Europe Doesn’t Have ACs?
House Design: Most homes in European countries are not designed for air-conditioning. They are built to keep the warmth in during cold winters, but they are not designed to keep indoors cool during summers, because they never had to before.
High Electricity Bills: Cost is a major factor that holds many Europeans back from installing air conditioners. Energy costs in many European countries are higher, while the incomes tend to be lower, making an AC look like an unnecessary luxury.
Climate Impact: The biggest challenge Europe faces in the midst of a sweltering heatwave is its pledge to become “climate neutral” by 2050. Since ACs push the heat outside and lead to a rise in urban heat, a sharp increase in air conditioners will make a dent in its climate commitments.
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