Summary of Key Points
This year, France has experienced two extreme heatwaves earlier than usual (at the end of May and in mid-to-late June), with temperatures repeatedly breaking records (over 40°C in Paris and over 45°C in southern France). Old buildings, particularly those of the Ottoman style, have become "ovens" due to their lack of insulation. The widespread adoption of air conditioning has become a focal point of contention between the left and right-wing political parties: the far-left fears that it will increase carbon emissions and exacerbate the heat island effect, advocating for improving building insulation first; the far-right believes that saving lives is paramount and proposes installing air conditioning in hospitals, nursing homes, and schools on a large scale. However, implementing air conditioning faces challenges such as strict regulations, lack of funding, and slow renovation processes. The coverage rate of air conditioning in public facilities is extremely low—only 14% of schools and 7% of public transportation have air conditioning. In the past, heatwaves were often forgotten once they passed, but this year's prolonged high temperatures have made people realize that it is a matter of survival, which could break the "forgetfulness cycle."
Detailed Analysis
1. This Year's Heatwaves: More Intense than in Previous Years, with Old Buildings Becoming "Steam Chambers"
This year's heatwaves in France came early and were intense: the first wave in late May reached temperatures of 36-37°C, and the second wave in June lasted for over 10 days (with temperatures not dropping until Sunday). In Paris, it was over 40°C, and in some cities in southern France, it exceeded 45°C, with street temperatures feeling even higher than 50°C. The most affected were the old buildings of the Ottoman style, which, lacking insulation, absorbed heat during the day and could not release it at night, turning attics into "ovens." Plants that had been in Dr. Wang's glass house (designed for light) for over a decade were all scorched. A similar heatwave in 2003 resulted in an excess of 14,800 deaths, mostly among the elderly. This year's heat is more prolonged and intense, with schools being unable to cope; on the 23rd, 1,800 schools were closed, and 8,000 schools dismissed students early.
2. Air Conditioning as a Political Battleground: The Left Worries About the Environment, the Right Wants to Save Lives
The left and right-wing parties are in conflict over air conditioning:
- Far-Left (La France Insoumise): Jean-Luc Mélenchon insists it is "absolutely unacceptable," arguing that installing air conditioning will increase carbon emissions and worsen climate issues (such as the urban heat island effect, as the waste heat from air conditioners makes streets even hotter). They propose improving building insulation first.
- Far-Right (The National Rally): Marine Le Pen accuses the left of "sacrificing public health," calling it absurd to die from heat, and promises to install air conditioning in hospitals, nursing homes, and schools if elected president.
The core issue is whether to prioritize the environment or human life, but both approaches have their drawbacks: the left's insulation improvements will take more than half a year and require residents to pay for them; the far-right's air conditioning plan does not clarify who will fund it, and there are likely to be delays due to bidding processes and funding issues.
3. Want to Install Air Conditioning? It's Not That Simple
Even if you want to install air conditioning in France, it may not be possible:
- Strict Regulations: Installing window units (the most common type) in Paris requires compliance with numerous regulations, and the application process is so complex that it is almost impossible to pass. Dr. Wang can only use portable air conditioners, but his glass house remains a steam chamber.
- Building Issues: Old Ottoman-style buildings lack insulation, making air conditioning inefficient and energy-consuming even if installed.
- Funding Challenges: Improving insulation (upgrading properties from Grade G to Grades B/C) costs a lot, and residents are reluctant to pay for it; the far-right's air conditioning plan also lacks clear funding details, and government procurement could be delayed.
4. Low Coverage Rate of Air Conditioning in Public Facilities
The coverage rate of air conditioning in French public facilities is astonishingly low:
- Schools: Only 14% have air conditioning, and many do not even have blinds or curtains. The deputy mayor of Paris urgently purchased 1,200 air conditioners for 620 schools, promising that every school will have one by the next weekend.
- Healthcare and Public Transportation: Only 40% of healthcare facilities and 7% of public transportation have air conditioning. The elderly and sick are at the highest risk in such hot conditions, yet these places lack cooling equipment.
- Offices: Two-thirds of offices have air conditioning, but ordinary citizens (especially the elderly and students) cannot benefit from it.
5. Will This Break the "Forgetfulness Cycle"?
In the past, French media and politicians would argue fiercely during heatwaves, but once temperatures dropped, the issue was forgotten (known as the "forgetfulness cycle"). This time might be different:
- Public Opinion Change: 84% of people believe that air conditioning is the most effective way to cool down (although 78% think it is not environmentally friendly), indicating a greater emphasis on saving lives.
- Pressure from High Temperatures: The prolonged heatwave this year has made people realize that it is a matter of survival, not just temporary discomfort. Dr. Wang says, "France is no longer what it was 20 years ago; this time, there might really be change."
In summary, the air conditioning debate in France is not just about whether to install air conditioning or not; it is a complex issue involving environmental protection, public welfare, and politics. However, this year's extreme heat may compel all parties to move from rhetoric to concrete action.