Europe Is Unprepared for Heatwaves Without Air Conditioning
Europe continues to face anomalous heatwaves that have swept across several countries on the continent this summer. The high temperatures have intensified the debate surrounding the availability of air conditioning and the readiness of energy infrastructure to handle increasing loads, reports The Guardian.
The issue is being discussed particularly acutely in Germany, where air conditioning remains a rarity for most households. According to experts, only about 6% of the country's residents have cooling systems in their apartments and houses. Against the backdrop of prolonged heatwaves, this topic is becoming increasingly relevant for the elderly and other vulnerable groups.
Healthcare representatives are advocating for the expansion of cooling systems, primarily in social and public facilities, such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, kindergartens, and public transport. Many political forces in the country support this approach; however, discussions continue due to the need to balance environmental goals with energy consumption.
Political parties are also actively using the topic of heat in public debates. Notably, the "Alternative for Germany" party is pushing for more widespread use of air conditioning this year, emphasizing population comfort and safety during high temperatures.
In light of the European discussions, the situation has sparked active debate in the United States, where air conditioning has long been a standard of household comfort. According to American sources, cooling systems are installed in approximately 90% of the country’s homes, which contrasts sharply with European figures.
At the same time, the use of air conditioning is growing rapidly in a number of Southern European countries. In Italy, Spain, and France, the number of homes with cooling systems has increased significantly in recent years, especially in southern regions where heatwaves are becoming increasingly prolonged.
Experts note that one of the key reasons for the cautious approach taken by European authorities remains the high load on the energy grid. A massive increase in the use of air conditioning could lead to a spike in electricity consumption and place additional pressure on infrastructure.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), extreme heat remains a serious risk factor for public health in Europe. Experts emphasize the need to combine short-term cooling measures with long-term solutions, such as improving building thermal insulation, developing green spaces, implementing shading systems, and creating public cooling centers.
"A significant portion of investment in Europe is rightly directed toward long-term solutions, such as shading, insulation, and cooling centers, rather than just mechanical cooling," noted Hans Kluge, Regional Director for the WHO European Office.
