Why Europe cannot rely on air conditioning alone during extreme heat

Europe’s latest heat wave has caused hundreds of deaths and exposed how limited air conditioning remains across much of the continent. In countries such as France and the U.K., many homes still do not have AC, leaving residents with few options during prolonged periods of dangerous heat. Experts say air conditioning can reduce immediate health risks, but it also has drawbacks in dense cities. It pushes heat outdoors, which can intensify the urban heat island effect, and it can add pressure to electricity grids that are already strained during hot weather. The article highlights Paris as an example of a city where zinc roofs, limited insulation, and upperfloor apartments can become especially punishing in extreme temperatures. Officials and climate specialists say the response needs to combine AC with wider measures such as more trees, cooler public spaces, better building design, and emergency planning.