European resistance to air conditioning: cultural and structural roots

European reluctance to adopt air conditioning, mocked by US and Asian observers, stems from a mix of cultural attitudes, building design, and economic factors. Only 20% of European homes have AC, compared to over 85% in the US, Japan, and South Korea. In Italy, 55.1% have AC. A 2019 study by Ca' Foscari University of Venice found that in eight OECD countries—Australia, Canada, France, Japan, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland—structural features like thick stone walls, high ceilings, and courtyards historically favored passive cooling. In North America, post-war buildings integrated centralized HVAC, making AC necessary. Electricity prices rose 36% in Europe from 2019 to 2024, versus less in the US. AC caused 3.2% of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2022 and consumed 7% of electricity. German public broadcaster ARD recently ran a campaign discouraging AC installation. In the UK, a Good Morning Britain guest called AC use selfish. Economist Noah Smith cited WHO estimates of over 200,000 heat-related deaths in Europe in the last four years. In France, 80% now support AC in homes, schools, and public transport. Far-right Rassemblement National proposed a national AC installation plan, accusing environmentalists of worsening quality of life.