Europeans are resisting air conditioning during heat waves

• In Europe, air conditioning use is below 20% of households, while in the US it’s close to 90%, and switching it on only increases electricity consumption.
• In the context of heat-related deaths, air conditioning is linked to fewer deaths. For example, in France, researchers estimate that installing air conditioning could prevent about 1,000 deaths and avoid around 1,300 deaths in Europe over the same period.
• However, why do some people resist air conditioning? The answer may be that air conditioning is associated with changing attitudes toward mortality, but it is also influenced by the belief that air conditioning is not a moral issue. In other words, it is not just about the technology itself, but about how people perceive its impact on the environment and society.

For more on this, see Asharq Al-Awsat and vox.com.

During the hours of peak heat in Europe, when temperatures in some places exceed 100°F, people are still reluctant to use air conditioning. Meanwhile, in the US, about 90% of households have air conditioning. In Europe, however, only about 20% of households use it. That’s despite the fact that, in Europe, the number of heat-related deaths is rising.

One reason for this is that air conditioning can increase electricity demand. And electricity production can lead to higher carbon emissions if it relies on fossil fuels. Another reason is that people may feel that using air conditioning is morally wrong, as it contributes to climate change. In addition, there is a perception that air conditioning is unnecessary, or that it should be used only in extreme cases.

In the end, the question becomes: if air conditioning can save lives, why do some people still resist it? Researchers say that the answer may lie in how people view technology and its impact on society. For example, a study found that air conditioning use is associated with higher mortality risk. But the same study also suggests that air conditioning can reduce heat-related deaths by up to 20% in Europe.

In particular, a 2007 study found that air conditioning could reduce heat-related deaths by about 20% in some European countries. However, the study also noted that the impact depends on how electricity is generated and on the availability of air conditioning systems. In Italy, for instance, a 56% increase in the use of air conditioning is expected in 2024, which may help reduce heat-related deaths.

Tags: Europe/Well-being/Weather/Ecology