Air conditioning creates political divide as France records hottest day
Summary
France experienced its hottest day on record, with temperatures near 40°C, leading to a new debate about air conditioning. Currently, only about 25% of French homes have air conditioning, but the heatwave is pushing more people and some environmentalists to accept the need for air conditioning in schools, hospitals, and homes despite past opposition.Key Facts
- France recorded its hottest day ever, with temperatures reaching nearly 40°C.
- Only 25% of homes in France have air conditioning, compared to 50% in Spain and Italy, and 90% in the US and Japan.
- Many French schools and hospitals rarely have air conditioning, which caused some schools to close during the heatwave.
- A surge in buying portable air-conditioning units is helping people cope with the heat.
- Environmentalists in France have traditionally opposed air conditioning because it uses electricity, can leak greenhouse gases, and may increase city temperatures by releasing hot air outside.
- The Green party leader admitted that air conditioning might now be necessary in schools and hospitals.
- New building rules in France focus on insulation and natural cooling methods to avoid the need for air conditioning.
- Some medical workers and unions call for more air conditioning in hospitals due to the extreme heat.
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