40-Degree Heatwave, But 'Remove Your Air Conditioner' Orders Spark Political Conflict Over 'Cooling Rights' in Europe

As Europe swelters under heatwaves reaching nearly 40 degrees Celsius, a growing conflict is emerging between stringent carbon neutrality policies and citizens' fundamental need for cooling. In countries like the UK and France, governments are strictly regulating air conditioning or even ordering the removal of existing units, leading to clashes with the public.

The Camden Borough Council in London has issued numerous orders for residents to remove air conditioners from their homes and apartments, sparking strong backlash. One resident received an administrative order to permanently remove two AC units, with council officials deeming there was no justifiable reason for their continued use. Camden has a 'cooling hierarchy' system, prioritizing ventilation and fans before AC, but the resident argued that security concerns prevented them from leaving windows open at night. Authorities offered the impractical advice to open windows during the day and close them at night.

Another resident was ordered to remove three AC units due to environmental regulations, noise standards, and aesthetic concerns in a conservation area. Despite offering to conceal the outdoor units with cladding, the council refused, citing a conflict with climate change response measures. While AC installation is generally permitted in the UK, subsequent checks for heritage preservation or local carbon reduction guidelines can lead to removal orders. Local media have criticized these measures, stating that the pursuit of carbon emission reduction is making life harder for residents suffering from record heat.

In France, widespread air conditioning use is also restricted as part of a national climate adaptation plan. Air conditioners are viewed as energy-inefficient, placing a heavy load on the power grid, and contributing to refrigerant issues and the urban heat island effect. Consequently, the household AC penetration rate in France is only 25%, with insufficient cooling facilities in public institutions like schools. A recent poll indicated that 78% of French citizens believe air conditioning is not environmentally friendly, and 60% stated they would endure summer heat for the sake of the environment.

However, the recent record-breaking heatwaves have shifted public perception, with many now viewing cooling as a matter of survival. This has led to significant political fallout. France's Minister for Ecological Transition, Monique Barbut, drew public ire by expressing shock at calls for widespread AC installation, calling it a temporary solution. Critics accused her of being out of touch, questioning if she could house her own parents in a 38-degree heatwave without AC. The debate over 'cooling rights' has become a central political issue, with opposition parties like the National Rally proposing a 'national cooling plan' for essential facilities. Even politicians who previously opposed AC expansion are reconsidering, with the Mayor of Paris announcing a review of AC policies and the leader of the Green Party acknowledging the necessity of AC in certain places like schools and hospitals.

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I am shocked by those who say we should install air conditioning everywhere. Air conditioning is only a temporary solution.