European heat wave exposes gaps in air conditioning access

Europe's 2026 summer heat wave killed around 1,000 people in France alone during its worst days, as temperatures climbed to 40°C across parts of Western Europe. In London, some Underground lines recorded temperatures close to 40°C. England had its hottest June ever recorded.

Despite the danger, many European countries make it difficult to install air conditioning. In London, Camden Council requires residents to prove they have tried every other option first. In Geneva, people must provide medical documents. These rules reflect a wider cultural attitude in Western Europe that treats heat discomfort as something people should simply accept.

This contrasts sharply with countries like Japan, which has similar wealth but near-universal home air conditioning. Scientists note that Europe is warming at twice the global average rate.