Europe grapples with intense heat despite low air - conditioner prevalence. Residents resort to "old - fashioned" methods like wet towels and ice bowls as temperatures soar.
Europe, known for its charming old - world architecture, rich cultural heritage, and temperate climate, is currently in the throes of a sweltering heatwave. But here’s the catch: the continent has a notoriously low air - conditioner (AC) penetration rate. As thermometers across Europe hit record - high numbers, Europeans are getting creative, using age - old "low - tech" methods to beat the heat.
The Heatwave Gripping Europe
This summer, Europe has been under the spell of an unforgiving heatwave. According to the World Meteorological Organization, parts of Spain witnessed temperatures skyrocketing to a staggering 46°C. France, too, has had its fair share of extreme heat, with many regions recording temperatures well above 40°C. Even countries like the UK, which are accustomed to milder summers, have seen mercury levels rise alarmingly, with London hitting 35°C in some areas.
The situation is dire, and it’s not just an inconvenience. Heat - related illnesses and deaths have been on the rise. Hospitals in affected countries are reporting a surge in patients suffering from heatstroke, dehydration, and other heat - related ailments. Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a leading epidemiologist in Spain, warns, "These extreme temperatures are a serious threat to public health, especially for the elderly, children, and those with pre - existing medical conditions."
What’s more, the frequency and intensity of these heatwaves are increasing. Climate scientists attribute this to climate change, stating that the rise in global temperatures is making such extreme weather events more common. Dr. Klaus Müller, a renowned climate scientist in Germany, explains, "The increase in greenhouse gas emissions is fueling these heatwaves. Europe, like the rest of the world, is feeling the brunt of it."
The Low AC Dilemma in Europe
While the rest of the world might turn to air - conditioners during a heatwave, Europeans face a unique challenge. The continent has one of the lowest AC penetration rates globally. According to data from CNN, only about 20% of European households are equipped with ACs. In countries like the UK, this number drops to a mere 5%, and in Germany, it’s an even lower 3%.
There are several reasons for this. Firstly, historically, Europe has not had a strong need for air - conditioning. Many parts of the continent enjoy a temperate climate, and until recently, extreme heatwaves were rare. International Energy Agency’s Brian Motherway notes, "In Europe, we simply didn’t have the tradition of using ACs because, for the most part, it wasn’t necessary."
Secondly, the high cost of installation and operation is a major deterrent. In France and Germany, for instance, the cost of installing an AC can be upwards of 1500 euros. And with high energy prices in Europe, especially after the 2022 energy crisis, running an AC can be a costly affair. A German resident, Hans Schmidt, complains, "The installation cost is bad enough, but the electricity bill? It’s like having a second mortgage."
Another factor is the prevalence of old buildings in Europe. Many structures, especially in historical city centers, are not conducive to AC installation. In England, for example, a significant number of houses were built before the advent of modern air - conditioning technology. These buildings often lack the necessary infrastructure, and installing ACs can be a complex and expensive process, not to mention the potential damage it could cause to the building’s historical integrity.
The "Old - Fashioned" Cooling Methods
With ACs being a luxury for many, Europeans have been forced to get creative. One of the most common methods is using wet towels. In Spain, people can be seen walking around with wet handkerchiefs around their necks. In France, families hang wet towels in front of open windows, hoping that the evaporation will cool the incoming air. It’s a simple yet effective way to lower the temperature, much like the ancient practice of using evaporative cooling systems.
Another popular DIY cooling method is the "ice - bowl - and - fan" combo. People place a bowl filled with ice in front of a fan. As the fan blows air over the ice, the air cools down, creating a mini - air - conditioning effect. This ingenious idea has been making the rounds on European social media, with many sharing their experiences of how it has helped them survive the heat.
Many are also turning to their homes’ natural features. In Italy, where some houses have thick stone walls, residents huddle in rooms with these walls, as they tend to retain coolness better. In the UK, people are taking advantage of basements, which are often cooler than the upper floors. Some have even moved their beds to the basement during the heatwave to get a better night’s sleep.
And let’s not forget about the power of water. In many European cities, public fountains have become popular gathering spots. In Athens, locals and tourists alike dip their feet in the fountains, enjoying the cool water. In Germany, some people have resorted to filling their bathtubs with cold water and taking regular dips throughout the day.
The Future of Cooling in Europe
As heatwaves become more frequent, the question on everyone’s mind is: what’s next for cooling in Europe? Some policymakers are calling for a more widespread adoption of ACs, but this comes with its own set of challenges. There are concerns about the increased energy consumption and its impact on the environment, especially in a continent that is striving towards carbon neutrality.
Others are advocating for more sustainable cooling solutions. For example, the use of green roofs and walls, which can help lower building temperatures naturally. In some European cities, like Copenhagen, there has been an increase in the number of buildings with green roofs, which not only provide insulation but also add a touch of nature to the urban landscape.
There’s also a push for more energy - efficient ACs. The European Union is considering implementing stricter energy - efficiency standards for cooling appliances. This way, if more Europeans do decide to invest in ACs, they can do so without significantly increasing their energy consumption.
As Europe continues to battle the heat, one thing is clear: the continent needs to find a balance between staying cool and being environmentally conscious. And in the meantime, those wet towels and ice bowls might just be the unsung heroes of this summer’s heatwave.