FROSTlines
Europe’s Aversion to Air Conditioning Is Proving Fatal
A lack of a/c is contributing to tens of thousands of heat-related deaths each year
I love Europe and the United Kingdom (UK). I spent a semester in college studying at the University of London and have since visited many countries across the continent. With each trip, my appreciation grows for their rich culture, incredible cuisine, and fascinating history. There’s something awe-inspiring about strolling through centuries-old landmarks, such as the Louvre and Westminster Abbey -- the sense of history is palpable, especially compared to the relatively young U.S.
Still, as much as I love vacationing across the pond, I’m always happy to come home to my air conditioner (as well as my ice maker). And apparently, I’m not alone, as nearly 90% of American households have air conditioning. In Europe, it’s a very different story -- less than 20% of European households have cooling systems, and in the U.K., that number drops to just 5%, most of which are portable units. In Germany, it’s closer to 3%.
Unfortunately, that disparity may be having deadly consequences. Despite its reputation for mild summers, Europe experiences far more heat-related deaths than the U.S. -- by a shocking margin. A recent United Nations report found that 175,000 Europeans die from heat-related causes every year. In comparison, the U.S. recorded just over 21,500 such deaths in 24 years (from 1999 to 2023). Some experts point to air conditioning as a key reason for America’s relatively low heat-related death rate.
In a recent article, economist Tyler Cowen expressed surprise at learning that more Europeans die from extreme heat each year -- largely due to a lack of air conditioning -- than Americans die from gunshot wounds (46,728 people in 2023). He added that European governments often regulate air conditioning out of reach for the average person, making the problem worse.
“In Geneva, you have to show a medical need for it,” he wrote. "In Portofino, Italy, neighbors have been known to turn each other in for having illegal air conditioning units…and the fines can range up to €43,000. In Britain, even if you can get through the regulations, the cost of energy can be double that in America, so good luck with your bills.”
The French have also pushed back against the widespread adoption of air conditioning. In a Wall Street Journal article, Energy Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher argued that large-scale cooling would only worsen heat waves by pumping hot exhaust into the streets. “It’s a bad solution,” she said. “We should air condition for vulnerable people to give them a break, but on the other hand we shouldn’t do it everywhere.”
The article adds that French media also frequently caution against air conditioning, warning that cooling a room more than 15°F below the outside temperature can trigger “thermal shock,” potentially leading to nausea, loss of consciousness, or even respiratory arrest. As the author dryly noted, this might come as a surprise to Americans, “who expect indoor temperatures to be cooled to around 75°F even when it’s near 100°F outside.”
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The numbers seem to speak for themselves, so why is a/c still seen as optional, or even taboo, in much of Europe? A combination of factors helps explain the resistance: historically mild climates, older architecture that’s difficult to retrofit, high energy costs, strict preservation laws, and strong environmental concerns. For decades, those forces kept air conditioning out of the average European’s home, but thanks to recent heat waves, public sentiment is beginning to shift. Unfortunately, policymakers have been slow to react.
Take the World Health Organization (WHO), for example. Even with tens of thousands of Europeans dying of heat-related causes each year, the WHO still stops short of recommending air conditioning. Instead, it suggests temporary relief measures during heat waves, such as spending time in air-conditioned public spaces (e.g., supermarkets, libraries), closing blinds during the day, staying hydrated, using fans, and taking cool showers. The organization also suggests checking on family, friends, and neighbors -- particularly the elderly, who often live alone.
Those are all worthwhile strategies, but nothing compares to the safety and comfort of having air conditioning at home. Here in the U.S., we’re fortunate to have a wide range of options with varying price points -- everything from central ducted systems to window units to ductless minisplits. It’s time for European governments to recognize that cooling isn’t a luxury -- it’s a life-saving necessity. Their citizens deserve the same protection from extreme heat that most Americans already enjoy.
