As France braces for another heatwave, the country is debating the use of air conditioning. With temperatures expected to rise, many are questioning why France has been slow to adopt air conditioning, with only around 24% of households having it.

Resistance to Air Conditioning

The French have long been resistant to air conditioning, viewing it as ugly, noisy, and unnecessary. There is also a belief that breathing in conditioned air can make you sick. Instead, the French have traditionally relied on thick stone walls and shuttered windows to keep cool.

However, with the increasing frequency of heatwaves, attitudes are starting to shift. Some politicians, such as Marine Le Pen, are calling for a nationwide plan to equip every school and hospital with air conditioning.

Regulation and Environment

One of the main obstacles to the adoption of air conditioning in France is regulation. Many buildings in Paris are protected by heritage rules, which make it difficult to install exterior condenser units. Additionally, there are concerns about the environmental impact of air conditioning, with some arguing that it contributes to climate change.

However, others point out that France’s energy mix is largely low-carbon, with around 95% of electricity coming from nuclear power. This means that the carbon cost of running an air conditioner in France is relatively low compared to other countries.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.