{"id":2017306,"date":"2026-06-29T14:42:27","date_gmt":"2026-06-29T11:42:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2017306"},"modified":"2026-06-29T14:42:27","modified_gmt":"2026-06-29T11:42:27","slug":"keeping-cool-has-become-europes-latest-climate-class-war","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2017306","title":{"rendered":"Keeping cool has become Europe&#8217;s latest climate class war"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/70\/19\/1200x675_cmsv2_9ea1995c-b722-5894-9448-95df4446b008-9817019.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2905107-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2905107\" data-cid=\"9814483\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2905107-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/44\/83\/189x106_cmsv2_1325e017-4e74-515c-8352-0bdd453fad5c-9814483.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Ukraine&apos;s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, greets Hungary&apos;s Prime Minister Peter Magyar, center, next to European Council President Antonio Costa during a round table mee\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Why P\u00e9ter Magyar is reluctant to align with the EU on Ukraine\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2905231-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2905231\" data-cid=\"9815243\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2905231-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/52\/43\/189x106_cmsv2_fa503df9-b64e-5a7c-ade0-2c891490ded4-9815243.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Kelsey Robinson on why AI is creating more anxiety than impact in marketing\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Culture news<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    McKinsey&#8217;s Kelsey Robinson on the current marketing AI paradox\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2905830-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2905830\" data-cid=\"9817683\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2905830-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/76\/83\/189x106_cmsv2_39a8a0a0-746f-536c-b232-ea8571d0d97d-9817683.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The June heatwave has broken historical records across Europe.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Neither pro nor con: EU declines to take stand on AC amid heatwave\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2904963-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2904963\" data-cid=\"9813961\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2904963-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/38\/63\/189x106_cmsv2_788a7c61-fa2b-545e-afd5-0b449ce80f80-9813863.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Margaritis Schinas\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Earth News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Greek fishers will be paid to catch invasive pufferfish\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2905107-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2905107\" data-cid=\"9814483\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2905107-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/44\/83\/189x106_cmsv2_1325e017-4e74-515c-8352-0bdd453fad5c-9814483.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Ukraine&apos;s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, greets Hungary&apos;s Prime Minister Peter Magyar, center, next to European Council President Antonio Costa during a round table mee\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Why P\u00e9ter Magyar is reluctant to align with the EU on Ukraine\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2905231-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2905231\" data-cid=\"9815243\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2905231-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/52\/43\/189x106_cmsv2_fa503df9-b64e-5a7c-ade0-2c891490ded4-9815243.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Kelsey Robinson on why AI is creating more anxiety than impact in marketing\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Culture news<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    McKinsey&#8217;s Kelsey Robinson on the current marketing AI paradox\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2905830-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2905830\" data-cid=\"9817683\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2905830-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/76\/83\/189x106_cmsv2_39a8a0a0-746f-536c-b232-ea8571d0d97d-9817683.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The June heatwave has broken historical records across Europe.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Neither pro nor con: EU declines to take stand on AC amid heatwave\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2904963-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2904963\" data-cid=\"9813961\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2904963-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/38\/63\/189x106_cmsv2_788a7c61-fa2b-545e-afd5-0b449ce80f80-9813863.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Margaritis Schinas\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Earth News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Greek fishers will be paid to catch invasive pufferfish\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Europe<\/p>\n<p>                          Europe News<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            Keeping cool has become Europe&#8217;s latest climate class war<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/70\/19\/1536x864_cmsv2_9ea1995c-b722-5894-9448-95df4446b008-9817019.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"Tourists enjoy cooling off at a public water fountain In Paris, Friday, June 26, 2026. (AP Photo\/Christophe Ena )\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              Tourists enjoy cooling off at a public water fountain In Paris, Friday, June 26, 2026. (AP Photo\/Christophe Ena )<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">AP Photo \/ Christophe Ena<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0AP Photo \/ Christophe Ena\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspMarta Pacheco\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1782744147\">\n                    Published on                 <time datetime=\"2026-06-29 16:42:27 +02:00\">29\/06\/2026 &#8211; 16:42 GMT+2<\/time><span class=\"c-article-publication-date__bullet\">\u2022<\/span>Updated<br \/>\n                                     <time 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decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        As Europe accelerates its green transition, the debate over air conditioning has become emblematic of a broader challenge. Climate policy is no longer judged solely by its environmental ambitions, but also by whether it can reduce emissions without deepening social inequalities.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content js-article-content\">\n<p>Once considered an unnecessary luxury across much of Europe, air conditioning has become one of the continent&#8217;s most politically charged household appliances after nearly two weeks of extreme and deadly temperatures.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>For decades, Europe distinguished itself from hotter parts of the world by relying on thick masonry buildings, shutters, tree-lined streets and mild summers. Air conditioning remained relatively uncommon, particularly in northern and western Europe but climate change could alter that reality. <\/p>\n<p>Summers that once brought occasional discomfort now routinely produce prolonged periods above 35\u00b0C, with urban neighbourhoods experiencing 41\u00b0C temperatures due to the &#8220;heat island&#8221; effect. <\/p>\n<p>A clash between two urgent priorities is emerging: the climate emergency and widening class divide, most recently highlighted by the shutdown of air-conditioning in the lower floors of the European Commission&#8217;s headquarters for EU staff, according to an internal message seen by Euronews. <\/p>\n<p>Climate advocates and government officials warn that widespread adoption of air conditioning risks creating a vicious cycle. More cooling requires more expensive electricity, increasing demand during heat waves when power systems are already under strain. <\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id data-event=\"widget_related\">\n<div class=\"c-widget-related__title\"><b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b><\/div>\n<ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">To use air con or not? The facts behind the politicised battle to stay cool in Europe<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>Unless supplied by clean energy, they argue, additional electricity consumption can lead to higher emissions, making future heat even worse since air conditioners also use refrigerants that, if improperly managed, can have powerful greenhouse effects.<\/p>\n<p>EU lawmaker Jutta Paulus (Greens\/Germany) said that air conditioning systems &#8220;will undoubtedly&#8221; play a greater role in an increasingly hot Europe, but noted that such appliances should meet the &#8220;highest efficiency standards, be powered by renewable electricity and definitely operate without climate-damaging F-gases.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>However, the debate over air conditioning moved into the spotlight after French lawmaker Marine Le Pen (Front National) called for a mass, subsidised roll-out of the cooling appliance, with traditionally hostile Greens conceding that some air-conditioning may now be inevitable.<\/p>\n<p>The leader of the French Greens, presidential candidate Marine Tondelier, acknowledged on BFM TV that air conditioning, which was &#8220;not necessary a few years ago, is becoming so.&#8221; <\/p>\n<h2>Climate emergency becomes a class war<\/h2>\n<p>Millions of Europeans are facing increasingly dangerous heat, prompting them to consider the quickest and cheapest way to cool their homes. That choice is increasingly becoming a question of class rather than technology.<\/p>\n<p>Wealthier households are adapting by installing efficient heat pumps that provide both heating and cooling as well as upgrading insulation. Employers with modern offices maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Those with second homes or the means to travel escape the hottest weeks altogether.<\/p>\n<p>But lower-income Europeans often have fewer options. Many live in poorly insulated apartments, top-floor flats beneath dark roofs or dense urban neighbourhoods with little green space. <\/p>\n<p>Renters frequently cannot install permanent cooling systems without landlord approval, while rising electricity prices make operating even portable units an expensive proposition.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;This heat is not only a climate emergency, but it is also a class war. The rich burn the planet, then buy air conditioning, private pools and second homes while workers are left in overheated flats, unsafe jobs, failed public services and burning cities,&#8221; reads a statement from the left-wing European political alliance DIEM25, led by former Greek Finance Minister Yannis Varoufakis. <\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6665\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/70\/19\/808x539_cmsv2_f69db76f-56a2-533c-a71c-e8cb3952d53e-9817019.jpg\" alt=\"Air conditioning external units are seen on the facade of a building in Rome, Tuesday, July 25, 2023. \"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">Air conditioning external units are seen on the facade of a building in Rome, Tuesday, July 25, 2023. <\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">AP Photo \/ Andrew Medichini<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Health emergency<\/h2>\n<p>Public health experts warn that heatwaves are more than uncomfortable\u2014they are deadly.<\/p>\n<p>France experienced one of its most intense heatwaves on record in June, with widespread temperatures near or above 40\u00b0C. The country has also reported around 1,000 excess deaths associated with the event, mostly among older adults. Spain recorded 327 heat-related deaths.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The problem is the worst in the south, of course, that&#8217;s where we see most of the accidents. At the same time, though, we have been recording the highest increases in accidents in central and northern Europe,&#8221; said Andreas Flouris, professor of physiology at the University of Thessaly in Greece. <\/p>\n<p>He added that rising accident rates in central and northern Europe suggest that \u201cthe centre and the north are catching up.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>According to a recent European Trade Union Institute report, around 130 million workers across Europe are exposed to workplace heat stress, resulting in 277,000 related injuries and 230 deaths annually.<\/p>\n<p>Green EU lawmaker Lena Schiling (Austria) said the latest deadly heatwave in Europe is the result of &#8220;global failure to tackle the climate crisis&#8221; and warned that the most vulnerable groups need greater protection.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id data-event=\"widget_related\">\n<div class=\"c-widget-related__title\"><b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b><\/div>\n<ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">Europe sees more than 1,300 excess deaths amid brutal heatwave, WHO says<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;The answer cannot be to leave people alone to cope with unbearable heat by expecting everyone to buy an aircon. People need protection from extreme heat. During heatwaves, aircons can be essential, especially for older people, children, in schools, hospitals and care homes,&#8221; Schiling told Euronews.<\/p>\n<p>EU lawmaker Ondrej Knotek (Czech Republic\/Patriots for Europe) emphasised that the focus must be on &#8220;adaptation measures&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;One of these measures could be the promotion of air conditioning to help European citizens and their economy,&#8221; Knotek told Euronews.<\/p>\n<h2>The American Model: Pros and Cons<\/h2>\n<p>Air conditioning ownership has surpassed 1.5 billion units globally, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), yet usage varies widely across regions. While 90% of homes in the United States have air conditioning units, the figure is just 20% in European homes, the IEA said.<\/p>\n<p>Some environmental voices argue Europe should avoid following the American model of universal mechanical cooling, and instead prioritise better insulation, reflective roofs, trees, ventilation and architecture that minimises heat gain. <\/p>\n<p>However, critics argue that such measures, while essential, often require years of investment and do little to help residents enduring today&#8217;s record temperatures.<\/p>\n<p>This tension has fuelled accusations that climate policies sometimes ask ordinary citizens to make sacrifices while wealthier Europeans remain largely spared from the consequences. <\/p>\n<p>Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken recently made waves after he encouraged people to &#8220;enjoy the beautiful weather&#8221; and promised to his followers that he would send later pictures of a pool, a Stella (beer) and a barbecue when Brussels was hit by 32\u00b0C on 19 June.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s been hot for two days and we&#8217;re all going to die again, exactly,&#8221; Francken ironically wrote on social media.<\/p>\n<p>The controversy echoes wider debates over carbon taxes, low-emission zones, home renovation mandates and rising energy costs \u2014 all policies that can disproportionately burden households with fewer financial resources.<\/p>\n<h2>Expensive, clean alternatives<\/h2>\n<p>Many experts note that the technologies needed to reconcile climate goals with cooling already exist. The catch, however, is their costly investment. <\/p>\n<p>Modern electric heat pumps can cool homes efficiently while replacing fossil-fuel heating in winter. Combined with renewable electricity, improved building standards, district cooling systems and urban greening, Europe could expand cooling without dramatically increasing emissions.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAs Europe moves towards electrification, it is important to recognise that air-conditioning systems are already part of the solution. They are heat pumps that can deliver both cooling and efficient heating, especially when combined with better building design and renewable electricity,\u201d a spokesperson for Daikin, the leading air-conditioning manufacturer, told Euronews.<\/p>\n<p>Yet deploying those solutions requires substantial investment and the distribution of costs remains politically contentious.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id data-event=\"widget_related\">\n<div class=\"c-widget-related__title\"><b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b><\/div>\n<ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">Can heat pumps cool down your home and how do they compare to air conditioning units?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>District cooling is presented as another efficient and sustainable collective solution in which chilled water is produced centrally and distributed through underground pipes to multiple buildings. It must be planned in collaboration with local authorities, after which residents and building owners can choose to connect if the network is available nearby.<\/p>\n<p>France&#8217;s power utility EDF plans to invest \u20ac80 million in district cooling systems for schools, nurseries and daycare centres in response to increasingly deadly heatwaves.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;This allows cities to harness renewable and locally available sources of cooling, cutting emissions and reducing peak electricity demand, rather than relying solely on thousands of standalone units,&#8221; Pauline Lucas, policy director at the international network Euroheat &amp; Power, told Euronews.<\/p>\n<p>In the years ahead, the success of the EU&#8217;s green transition may be judged not only by how much the bloc cuts carbon emissions, but also by whether it can do so without creating a society in which comfort, health and protection from extreme heat become privileges reserved for those who can afford them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Heatwave: Berlin police use water cannon to cool Bruno Mars fans<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Heatwave: Which European countries are running out of water?<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  France heatwave: homeless people on the front line against the heat<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Air Conditioning<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Europe<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  climate change<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Heatwave<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2905830-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2905830\" data-cid=\"9817683\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2905830-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/76\/83\/320x180_cmsv2_39a8a0a0-746f-536c-b232-ea8571d0d97d-9817683.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The June heatwave has broken historical records across Europe.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Neither pro nor con: EU declines to take stand on AC amid heatwave<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2905653-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2905653\" data-cid=\"9816733\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2905653-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/67\/33\/320x180_cmsv2_953900f0-6250-58c7-b776-495d33b641b1-9816733.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Tankers and cargo vessels are seen in the Gulf of Oman, along shipping routes linking the Strait of Hormuz and the Arabian Sea, Tuesday, June 16, 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Iran and Oman hold first Hormuz talks as US-Iran deal stays on edge<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2905809-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2905809\" data-cid=\"9817559\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2905809-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/75\/59\/320x180_cmsv2_7352bbad-3113-56eb-ac66-4b13e329b0b6-9817559.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Emergency responders and forensic investigators in Stade, 29 June, 2026 \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    At least five killed in shooting in northern Germany, police say<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2904967-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2904967\" data-cid=\"9813915\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2904967-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/39\/15\/320x180_cmsv2_6e3b8f4f-c975-5e46-b678-05368b834011-9813915.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Europe in Motion\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Heatwave: Which European countries are running out of water?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2904805-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2904805\" data-cid=\"9812928\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2904805-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/29\/28\/320x180_cmsv2_1015fdce-3a3a-5f19-b051-0eb7a1cb33a1-9812928.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Paris city view (file photo)\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Where do workers lose the biggest share of their salaries in Europe?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-2\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-most-viewed\">\n<h2 class=\"c-most-viewed__title qa-section-title\">Most read<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__list\">\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2905599-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2905599\" data-cid=\"9816571\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Another heat record broken in Germany<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div 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Hormuz talks as US-Iran deal stays on edge<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2905592-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2905592\" data-cid=\"9816514\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Swiss glaciers melting rapidly in June as Europe faces extreme heat<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">5<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2904967-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2904967\" data-cid=\"9813915\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div 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alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2905830-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2905830\" data-cid=\"9817683\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2905830-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/76\/83\/320x180_cmsv2_39a8a0a0-746f-536c-b232-ea8571d0d97d-9817683.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The June heatwave has broken historical records across Europe.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Neither pro nor con: EU declines to take stand on AC amid heatwave<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2905653-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2905653\" data-cid=\"9816733\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2905653-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/67\/33\/320x180_cmsv2_953900f0-6250-58c7-b776-495d33b641b1-9816733.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Tankers and cargo vessels are seen in the Gulf of Oman, along shipping routes linking the Strait of Hormuz and the Arabian Sea, Tuesday, June 16, 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Iran and Oman hold first Hormuz talks as US-Iran deal stays on edge<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2905809-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2905809\" data-cid=\"9817559\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2905809-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/75\/59\/320x180_cmsv2_7352bbad-3113-56eb-ac66-4b13e329b0b6-9817559.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Emergency responders and forensic investigators in Stade, 29 June, 2026 \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    At least five killed in shooting in northern Germany, police say<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2904967-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2904967\" data-cid=\"9813915\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2904967-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/39\/15\/320x180_cmsv2_6e3b8f4f-c975-5e46-b678-05368b834011-9813915.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Europe in Motion\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Heatwave: Which European countries are running out of water?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2904805-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2904805\" data-cid=\"9812928\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2904805-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/29\/28\/320x180_cmsv2_1015fdce-3a3a-5f19-b051-0eb7a1cb33a1-9812928.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Paris city view (file photo)\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Where do workers lose the biggest share of their salaries in Europe?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2905599-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2905599\" data-cid=\"9816571\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Another heat record broken in Germany<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2905658-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2905658\" data-cid=\"9816753\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Putin admits oil deficit amid Ukrainian strikes on refineries<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2905653-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2905653\" data-cid=\"9816733\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Iran and Oman hold first Hormuz talks as US-Iran deal stays on edge<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2905592-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2905592\" data-cid=\"9816514\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Swiss glaciers melting rapidly in June as Europe faces extreme heat<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2904967-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2904967\" data-cid=\"9813915\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Heatwave: Which European countries are running out of water?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">Once considered an unnecessary luxury across much of Europe, air conditioning has become one of the continent&#8217;s most politically charged household appliances after nearly two weeks of extreme and deadly temperatures.For decades, Europe distinguished itself from hotter parts of the world by relying on thick masonry buildings, shutters, tree-lined streets and mild summers. Air conditioning remained relatively uncommon, particularly in northern and western Europe but climate change could alter that reality.Summers that once brought occasional discomfort now routinely produce prolonged periods above 35\u00b0C, with urban neighbourhoods experiencing 41\u00b0C temperatures due to the &#8220;heat island&#8221; effect.A clash between two urgent priorities is emerging: the climate emergency and widening class divide, most recently highlighted by the shutdown of air-conditioning in the lower floors of the European Commission&#8217;s headquarters for EU staff, according to an internal message seen by Euronews.Climate advocates and government officials warn that widespread adoption of air conditioning risks creating a vicious cycle. More cooling requires more expensive electricity, increasing demand during heat waves when power systems are already under strain.Unless supplied by clean energy, they argue, additional electricity consumption can lead to higher emissions, making future heat even worse since air conditioners also use refrigerants that, if improperly managed, can have powerful greenhouse effects.EU lawmaker Jutta Paulus (Greens\/Germany) said that air conditioning systems &#8220;will undoubtedly&#8221; play a greater role in an increasingly hot Europe, but noted that such appliances should meet the &#8220;highest efficiency standards, be powered by renewable electricity and definitely operate without climate-damaging F-gases.&#8221;However, the debate over air conditioning moved into the spotlight after French lawmaker Marine Le Pen (Front National) called for a mass, subsidised roll-out of the cooling appliance, with traditionally hostile Greens conceding that some air-conditioning may now be inevitable.The leader of the French Greens, presidential candidate Marine Tondelier, acknowledged on BFM TV that air conditioning, which was &#8220;not necessary a few years ago, is becoming so.&#8221;Climate emergency becomes a class warMillions of Europeans are facing increasingly dangerous heat, prompting them to consider the quickest and cheapest way to cool their homes. That choice is increasingly becoming a question of class rather than technology.Wealthier households are adapting by installing efficient heat pumps that provide both heating and cooling as well as upgrading insulation. Employers with modern offices maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Those with second homes or the means to travel escape the hottest weeks altogether.But lower-income Europeans often have fewer options. Many live in poorly insulated apartments, top-floor flats beneath dark roofs or dense urban neighbourhoods with little green space.Renters frequently cannot install permanent cooling systems without landlord approval, while rising electricity prices make operating even portable units an expensive proposition.&#8221;This heat is not only a climate emergency, but it is also a class war. The rich burn the planet, then buy air conditioning, private pools and second homes while workers are left in overheated flats, unsafe jobs, failed public services and burning cities,&#8221; reads a statement from the left-wing European political alliance DIEM25, led by former Greek Finance Minister Yannis Varoufakis.Health emergencyPublic health experts warn that heatwaves are more than uncomfortable\u2014they are deadly.France experienced one of its most intense heatwaves on record in June, with widespread temperatures near or above 40\u00b0C. The country has also reported around 1,000 excess deaths associated with the event, mostly among older adults. Spain recorded 327 heat-related deaths.&#8221;The problem is the worst in the south, of course, that&#8217;s where we see most of the accidents. At the same time, though, we have been recording the highest increases in accidents in central and northern Europe,&#8221; said Andreas Flouris, professor of physiology at the University of Thessaly in Greece.He added that rising accident rates in central and northern Europe suggest that \u201cthe centre and the north are catching up.\u201dAccording to a recent European Trade Union Institute report, around 130 million workers across Europe are exposed to workplace heat stress, resulting in 277,000 related injuries and 230 deaths annually.Green EU lawmaker Lena Schiling (Austria) said the latest deadly heatwave in Europe is the result of &#8220;global failure to tackle the climate crisis&#8221; and warned that the most vulnerable groups need greater protection.&#8221;The answer cannot be to leave people alone to cope with unbearable heat by expecting everyone to buy an aircon. People need protection from extreme heat. During heatwaves, aircons can be essential, especially for older people, children, in schools, hospitals and care homes,&#8221; Schiling told Euronews.EU lawmaker Ondrej Knotek (Czech Republic\/Patriots for Europe) emphasised that the focus must be on &#8220;adaptation measures&#8221;.&#8221;One of these measures could be the promotion of air conditioning to help European citizens and their economy,&#8221; Knotek told Euronews.The American Model: Pros and ConsAir conditioning ownership has surpassed 1.5 billion units globally, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), yet usage varies widely across regions. While 90% of homes in the United States have air conditioning units, the figure is just 20% in European homes, the IEA said.Some environmental voices argue Europe should avoid following the American model of universal mechanical cooling, and instead prioritise better insulation, reflective roofs, trees, ventilation and architecture that minimises heat gain.However, critics argue that such measures, while essential, often require years of investment and do little to help residents enduring today&#8217;s record temperatures.This tension has fuelled accusations that climate policies sometimes ask ordinary citizens to make sacrifices while wealthier Europeans remain largely spared from the consequences.Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken recently made waves after he encouraged people to &#8220;enjoy the beautiful weather&#8221; and promised to his followers that he would send later pictures of a pool, a Stella (beer) and a barbecue when Brussels was hit by 32\u00b0C on 19 June.&#8221;It&#8217;s been hot for two days and we&#8217;re all going to die again, exactly,&#8221; Francken ironically wrote on social media.The controversy echoes wider debates over carbon taxes, low-emission zones, home renovation mandates and rising energy costs \u2014 all policies that can disproportionately burden households with fewer financial resources.Expensive, clean alternativesMany experts note that the technologies needed to reconcile climate goals with cooling already exist. The catch, however, is their costly investment.Modern electric heat pumps can cool homes efficiently while replacing fossil-fuel heating in winter. Combined with renewable electricity, improved building standards, district cooling systems and urban greening, Europe could expand cooling without dramatically increasing emissions.\u201cAs Europe moves towards electrification, it is important to recognise that air-conditioning systems are already part of the solution. They are heat pumps that can deliver both cooling and efficient heating, especially when combined with better building design and renewable electricity,\u201d a spokesperson for Daikin, the leading air-conditioning manufacturer, told Euronews.Yet deploying those solutions requires substantial investment and the distribution of costs remains politically contentious.District cooling is presented as another efficient and sustainable collective solution in which chilled water is produced centrally and distributed through underground pipes to multiple buildings. It must be planned in collaboration with local authorities, after which residents and building owners can choose to connect if the network is available nearby.France&#8217;s power utility EDF plans to invest \u20ac80 million in district cooling systems for schools, nurseries and daycare centres in response to increasingly deadly heatwaves.&#8221;This allows cities to harness renewable and locally available sources of cooling, cutting emissions and reducing peak electricity demand, rather than relying solely on thousands of standalone units,&#8221; Pauline Lucas, policy director at the international network Euroheat &amp; Power, told Euronews.In the years ahead, the success of the EU&#8217;s green transition may be judged not only by how much the bloc cuts carbon emissions, but also by whether it can do so without creating a society in which comfort, health and protection from extreme heat become privileges reserved for those who can afford them.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/www.euronews.com\/my-europe\/2026\/06\/29\/keeping-cool-has-become-europes-latest-climate-class-war&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/70\/19\/1200x675_cmsv2_9ea1995c-b722-5894-9448-95df4446b008-9817019.jpg&#8221;] Europe News Why P\u00e9ter Magyar is reluctant to align with the EU on Ukraine Culture news McKinsey&#8217;s Kelsey Robinson on the current marketing AI paradox Europe News Neither pro nor con: EU declines to take stand on AC amid heatwave Earth News Greek fishers will be paid to catch invasive pufferfish Europe [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-2017306","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2017306","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2017306"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2017306\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2017306"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2017306"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2017306"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}