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Europe's heatwaves intensify, but why is air conditioning not widespread?

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Europe is experiencing increasingly frequent and severe heatwaves, yet air conditioning is uncommon in European homes, with only about 20% having units compared to nearly 90% in the U.S.
  • Historical lack of need, high installation and energy costs, older building structures, and regulatory hurdles contribute to the low AC adoption rate.
  • While AC use is seen as a luxury and an energy burden, attitudes are shifting as Europe warms twice as fast as the global average, potentially leading to a significant increase in AC units by 2050.

Europe is grappling with record-breaking heatwaves, but unlike the United States where nearly 90% of homes have air conditioning, only about 20% of European households are equipped with AC units. This stark contrast leaves millions struggling to cope with extreme temperatures, relying on fans, ice packs, and cold showers.

Several factors explain Europe's low AC adoption. Historically, cooling was not a significant necessity, particularly in Northern Europe, leading AC to be viewed as a luxury rather than a requirement. Furthermore, the cost of installation and operation is substantial. Energy prices are often higher in Europe than in the U.S., making the electricity costs for running AC units a significant burden for many.

Europe has no tradition of using air conditioning because until relatively recently it was not a major need, which means that air conditioning has traditionally been seen as a luxury rather than a necessity.

— Brian MotherwayHead of Energy Efficiency and Inclusive Transition at the International Energy Agency, explaining the historical context of AC use in Europe.

Building architecture and regulations also play a role. In Southern Europe, traditional thick-walled buildings with small windows are designed to minimize heat gain. However, many older European homes, like those in the UK where over a sixth were built before 1900, were not designed with high temperatures in mind, making retrofitting central air conditioning systems challenging. Additionally, bureaucratic red tape, such as restrictions on the external appearance of AC units in protected or historic areas, further complicates installation.

Policy considerations also influence the situation. Europe's commitment to climate neutrality by 2050 is hindered by the potential surge in AC use, as these units are major energy consumers and release heat outdoors. However, as Europe's temperature rises at double the global rate, attitudes are changing. The International Energy Agency predicts the number of AC units in the EU could more than double by 2050. Experts warn about the environmental impact of fossil fuel-powered AC and emphasize the need for strict energy efficiency regulations for cooling systems.

The greater problem is bureaucracy, as British authorities often refuse applications to install air conditioners on protected or historic buildings on the grounds that the appearance of outdoor condensers affects the visual appeal.

— Richard SalmonDirector of a UK air conditioning company, discussing regulatory obstacles to AC installation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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