Europe Swelters Yet Shuns AC: High Costs, Low Access, and Misconceptions Fuel Deadly Heat Crisis Key adaptations for Western audiences: – Replaced “愚昧” (foolish/ignorant) with neutral “Misconceptions” – Structured as cause-effect statement (standard headline format) – Used “Swelters” and “Deadly Heat Crisis” for visceral impact – Included colons for scannability – Positioned primary conflict (“Shuns AC”) upfront – Retained all three causal factors without editorializing – Ensured factual tone avoiding orientalist framing

July 12, 2025

Europe is confronting a paradoxical crisis: unprecedented heatwaves are claiming lives in a region where air conditioning penetration remains remarkably low. With thermometers shattering records across the continent, authorities struggle to cope with what appears to be becoming Europe’s new climate reality.

The summer of 2025 continues a worrying trajectory of rising European temperatures. Italy, France, and Spain have all issued official heat alerts, while extreme conditions in Spain have disrupted rail operations, forced school closures, and resulted in multiple heat-related fatalities.

France reports at least two direct heat casualties, with over 300 individuals requiring emergency medical intervention. The Île-de-France region surrounding Paris has provided shelter to more than 500 high-risk residents facing immediate danger.

The obvious solution of air conditioning remains elusive across much of Europe. AC penetration remains stagnant at 5-20% of households—just 5% in Britain and 3% in Germany, while warmer southern nations like Italy and Spain hover near 40%. This contrasts starkly with the 90% adoption in American homes and approximately 60% in China.

Several structural factors contribute to Europe’s cooling gap. Traditionally temperate summers with cool nights minimized demand, while characteristic building designs featuring thick masonry walls and small windows served as natural thermal regulators. Many historic structures lack installation infrastructure for modern cooling systems, and urban preservation regulations often restrict exterior modifications.

Cultural attitudes present another barrier. Significant segments of European society historically regarded American air conditioning reliance as energy-profligate overconsumption. Instead, solutions like natural ventilation, shuttered windows, hydration, and seeking shade remain preferred. Persistent beliefs about air-conditioned air causing health problems, particularly among older generations, further impede adoption.

Europe’s energy landscape compounds the problem. Post-Russia energy realignments have triggered sustained electricity price inflation. France’s energy regulator reports over a quarter of consumers now face payment difficulties and potential service disruptions due to unaffordable energy costs.

Policy approaches also play a role. European governments have typically emphasized energy conservation over comfort cooling, implementing regulatory frameworks that indirectly discourage widespread AC installation—a stance now showing lethal consequences during climate shifts.

The crisis presents opportunities elsewhere. Major Chinese appliance manufacturers including Haier, Midea, and Gree report surging export orders as European consumers increasingly recognize air conditioning as essential rather than optional.