Summary of Key Points
Europe has recently experienced the second major heatwave of the year, with the UK breaking temperature records for June and many countries seeing temperatures exceed 40°C. This heatwave is caused by a “heat dome” — a layer of hot air trapped above Europe by high pressure systems — and the humidity is higher than in previous heatwaves, making it more dangerous. In the UK, where air conditioning was previously uncommon, the sudden rise in temperatures has presented multiple challenges: climate habits, economic costs, regulatory restrictions, and environmental concerns. Ordinary citizens are coping with the heat using fans, ice cubes, and libraries as cooling shelters. Schools have been particularly hard-hit; parents trying to donate air conditioners have been turned down by principals due to high electricity costs, and many schools have adjusted their schedules early. Modernizing school buildings will become essential if high temperatures become the norm.
The Heatwave Is More Deadly This Time: Hot and Humid
The current heatwave in Europe is not just ordinary; it’s caused by a “heat dome” that prevents hot air from dispersing. Unlike the dry heat in May, the humidity is extremely high, making it difficult for the body to cool down, similar to being in a sauna. UK experts consider this heatwave more dangerous than those in 2022 and May. The UK has already broken the June temperature record (35.8°C), with temperatures in France exceeding 40°C and in Spain and Portugal reaching over 42°C. The heatwave of 1976 was once considered extreme, but now Londoners say that level of heat is becoming the new norm.
Why Don’t Britons Use Air Conditioning?
The penetration rate of air conditioning in European households is only 20% (compared to 90% in the US), and in the UK, it’s even lower, at 8%-19%. The main reasons include:
- Climate Considerations: The UK has a temperate maritime climate with few hot summers, so heating in winter was a greater need. People think, “Why spend thousands of pounds on air conditioning for just a few days when I could use the money to improve insulation and save half on heating costs in winter?”
- Economic Costs: An air conditioning system can cost several thousand pounds, and with high electricity prices, many families can’t afford it or are reluctant to use it, even if they have one.
- Regulatory Restrictions: Installing air conditioning in apartments requires approval from the homeowners’ association and planning departments. Installing outdoor units on exterior walls may require building modifications, and historic buildings often prohibit it due to strict regulations.
- Environmental Concerns: Some believe that air conditioning contributes to climate change, so they prefer to use other methods like blackout curtains and fans.
How Do Britons Cope Without Air Conditioning?
Without air conditioning, Britons are finding creative ways to survive the heat:
- Applying SPF50 sunscreen and using umbrellas; searching for air conditioners but finding them out of stock.
- Using small fans and ice cubes to cool down.
- Staying in libraries, which provide cooler environments.
- People living in south-facing apartments face indoor temperatures of 33°C in the morning and have to move to corridors or bedrooms.
- Some recall the 1976 heatwave when eggs could be fried on the ground; now, they must rely on traditional methods.
Schools Are Hard Hit
Schools are suffering the most:
- Parents are buying portable air conditioners for classrooms, but principals reject donations due to high electricity costs.
- Some school councils have tried to donate air conditioners, only to be turned down by principals.
- The education department advises against closing schools, but many in London still adjust their schedules or close for the entire day. Some schools use inflatable swimming pools to cool students and relax dress code requirements.
- Experts warn that if high temperatures become the norm, governments need to urgently upgrade old school buildings; otherwise, by 2050, the number of days with indoor temperatures over 35°C in schools could increase by 70%.
Conclusion
This heatwave has exposed Europe’s (especially the UK’s) weakness in dealing with extreme heat. Past climate habits have prevented people from adopting air conditioning, and now financial, regulatory, and environmental factors are hindering its adoption. Schools and households are having to adapt quickly. If high temperatures become the new norm, Europe will need to reconsider how it manages summer, from increasing the use of air conditioning to upgrading school buildings.