Record heat leaves a deadly toll
France’s record heat last week has been associated with around 1,000 deaths, most of them among elderly people.
The crisis reflects a wider European challenge. The continent has the oldest population in the world and is also warming faster than any other region.
Europe faces unusual heat vulnerability
Europe records more heat-related deaths per capita than any other part of the world, even though it experiences fewer hot days than many other regions.
World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Europe has registered more than 1,300 heat-related excess deaths since June 21.
Air conditioning is not the preferred answer
Although air conditioning can sharply reduce heat risks, European officials and climate specialists are cautious about making it the central solution.
A 2007 study found that air conditioning can reduce heat-related deaths by 75%. Still, only about 20% of European households have it, compared with roughly 90% in the United States.
Experts warn of long-term trade-offs
Ine Vandecasteele, an urban adaptation expert with the European Environment Agency, said air conditioning may help in urgent settings, such as hospitals or short-term protection for vulnerable people.
But she warned against relying on it as the main response. “My honest response is I don’t think that should be the solution anywhere,” Vandecasteele said.
She added that expanding air conditioning can push more heat into cities and contribute to faster warming over time.
Energy costs shape Europe’s strategy
Cost is another obstacle. Energy prices in Europe are much higher than in the United States, making large-scale household air conditioning a more expensive option.
Instead, European governments have directed money toward alternatives designed for dense and historic urban areas, including public cooling stations.
Rome turns to monitoring and cooling tools
In Rome, authorities have distributed wearable technology to monitor elderly residents, the group most exposed to extreme heat.
Italy, however, has adopted air conditioning more widely than many European countries.
Italy stands apart in AC use
About 56% of homes in Italy had air conditioning as of 2024, according to the National Institute of Statistics.
European Union data also show that Italy accounts for one-third of all electricity used for air conditioning across the bloc.
Environmental concerns influence public choices
In France, a recent survey found that one in six people said they would rather endure heat discomfort for environmental reasons.
Vandecasteele said that attitude did not surprise her. “We’re not doing this for us,” she said. “We’re doing this for the future generations.”
