Key facts
- European Commission officials acknowledge air conditioning is essential during heatwaves but warn against sole reliance.
- Sole reliance on air conditioning could increase electricity consumption, energy bills, and worsen the urban heat island effect.
- The EU advocates a holistic approach combining passive cooling measures with efficient air conditioning where necessary.
- The bloc's upcoming climate adaptation strategy will focus on prevention and resilience rather than disaster recovery.
- Modern fixed air conditioning units are highly efficient and can function as heat pumps.
- Lawmakers emphasize prioritizing vulnerable populations and nature-based solutions for urban cooling.
European Commission officials recognize the necessity of air conditioning during increasingly frequent heatwaves but caution against making it the primary cooling solution. They argue that exclusive reliance on air conditioning would significantly increase electricity consumption, necessitate additional power generation, and lead to higher energy bills for households, especially given current high electricity prices.
An EU official, speaking anonymously, stated that while air conditioning is a crucial tool when passive measures like insulation are insufficient, a sole focus on it could be costly due to installation requirements and generator needs, potentially resulting in high energy bills. Furthermore, the widespread use of air conditioners can exacerbate the urban heat island effect through waste heat, underscoring the importance of green spaces, shading, and improved city design.
The Commission's forthcoming climate adaptation strategy, expected in the fourth quarter of 2026, aims to shift focus from disaster recovery to prevention and resilience. The strategy promotes a comprehensive approach that integrates passive cooling techniques with efficient cooling technologies. Brussels intends to encourage cooler buildings and cities through design, insulation, and passive measures, reserving efficient air conditioning for situations where it is genuinely needed.
While portable air conditioners are noted for their ease of installation, officials highlight that they are less energy-efficient than fixed systems. Modern fixed units are considered highly efficient and can also serve as heat pumps for decarbonizing heating. EU energy-labeling and eco-design regulations have been progressively enhancing the efficiency of these units since 2002, with further updates planned. However, the regulation of air conditioning installation typically falls under regional or local authority, requiring flexibility for member states, regions, and municipalities.
Veteran lawmaker Pascal Canfin described the debate as overly simplistic, asserting that while schools and hospitals should be air-conditioned to protect vulnerable individuals, air conditioning is not a universal solution. He emphasized that it cannot address infrastructure vulnerability or declining agricultural yields. Terry Reintke, co-president of the Greens/EFA in the European Parliament, stressed that saving lives and protecting the most vulnerable are the absolute priorities, advocating for nature-based solutions like planting trees and creating cooling zones. Reintke also called for accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels, identifying them as the root cause of escalating heat dangers, and urged a greater reliance on renewable energy.