At the weather’s mercy: How many people in the EU can’t afford air conditioning?

Summer Heat Wave Sparks Concern Over EU's Cooling Capacity

At the weather s mercy - This year's summer has begun earlier than usual, with Europe already experiencing extreme heat that has set new records in several regions. In France, temperatures soared to 37°C, marking the first time May has reached such highs. The UK, too, shattered its monthly temperature record, with London hitting 34.8°C. Ireland followed suit, recording an unusual 30.5°C for the same month. These conditions highlight a growing challenge: as heatwaves intensify, many EU citizens are left without access to cooling systems like air conditioning (AC) or fans.

Record-Breaking Heat Across the Region

The early onset of sweltering weather has raised questions about the EU's preparedness for climate change. According to the European Environment Agency's report titled "Overheated and Underprepared," a staggering 68% of EU residents lack AC or fan systems at home. While some countries may not require such measures due to varying climatic conditions, the inability to afford cooling technology remains a pressing issue for a significant portion of the population.

The Affordability Gap

More than one in three people (38%) say they cannot afford AC, with the situation being most severe in regions facing the harshest heat. France reports 42%, Greece 46%, and Portugal 45% of citizens unable to purchase cooling systems. Spain, Italy, and Romania also show high percentages, with 34%, 37%, and 39% respectively. These figures underscore a disparity in access, particularly affecting older populations, as over 25% of EU citizens are over 65 years old, with some of the most elderly demographics concentrated in Italy, Portugal, and Greece.

Cooling Features in Homes

Even when citizens can afford AC, many homes lack basic cooling infrastructure. In Spain, 61% of residents do not have shutters, awnings, or external shading to combat heat. Portugal follows with 59%, Italy at 57%, and Cyprus with 51%. While these features offer cost-effective solutions, their absence leaves households vulnerable to rising temperatures, especially in southern Europe where heatwaves are more frequent.

Heat as the Primary Climate Threat

Climate-related concerns have taken center stage, with heat emerging as the most significant worry for EU citizens. A survey reveals 85% of respondents cite extreme temperatures as their top climate threat, surpassing floods (80%), fires (82.5%), and water scarcity (80.5%). This anxiety is particularly pronounced in the Mediterranean, where 75% of Cypriots, 71% of Greeks, and 70% of Maltese residents express "very" or "quite" high levels of concern about prolonged heat.

Public Cooling Infrastructure

Local authorities have taken steps to address the crisis, but their efforts are inconsistent. Only 15% of EU citizens report using cooling centers or public buildings with AC, with Italians being the least likely to access such facilities. Germany, for instance, has just 7% of public spaces equipped with cooling systems. In contrast, Greece, Malta, and Romania offer more relief, with around 40% of citizens benefiting from cooled public areas. However, these resources remain limited, leaving many without access during peak heat periods.

Tree Planting as a Sustainable Solution

As a more affordable and eco-friendly alternative, tree planting has gained traction as a method to reduce urban heat. A survey shows 36% of EU residents believe tree cover is being implemented in their communities. Yet, uptake varies widely, with Hungary leading at 59% of reported tree planting, while Greece lags at 22%—one of the lowest rates across the EU. This disparity highlights challenges in maintaining green spaces, particularly in densely populated areas.

Adjusting Work and School Schedules

Some countries have adopted flexible work and school hours to mitigate the effects of heat. However, only 15% of EU citizens have observed these adjustments in practice. Cyprus, with 39% of respondents, has the highest adoption rate, whereas Portugal reports just 8% of citizens benefiting from such measures. This inconsistency suggests that while policies exist, their implementation is uneven, leaving many workers and students exposed to uncomfortable conditions.

Communication and Emergency Response

Local authorities are increasingly focused on immediate responses rather than long-term prevention. Over half of EU citizens (57%) have received heatwave alerts through phone calls, texts, or media broadcasts. Yet, fewer than half (42.5%) have encountered awareness campaigns about health risks from extreme weather. These campaigns, which recommend actions like staying hydrated or using fans, remain underutilized, despite their potential to reduce health impacts.

Broader Implications for Vulnerable Populations

The lack of cooling infrastructure disproportionately affects the most vulnerable. Older adults, who are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, often live in homes without AC or shading. In countries like Italy and Greece, where aging populations are prevalent, this creates a critical risk. Meanwhile, young families and lower-income households struggle to afford even basic cooling systems, further widening the gap between social classes.

Looking Ahead: Adaptation and Investment

As heatwaves become more frequent, the need for investment in cooling technologies and infrastructure is urgent. The EEA report emphasizes that without action, the EU's ability to protect its citizens from rising temperatures will be compromised. Solutions such as subsidies for AC units, expanded tree-planting initiatives, and coordinated public cooling programs could alleviate the crisis. However, current efforts are fragmented, and a unified strategy is required to address the growing challenge.

Experts warn that the situation will worsen unless policies are adjusted to prioritize long-term resilience. With temperatures expected to rise further, the lack of cooling systems may soon become a defining feature of life in many European cities. The question remains: how many people will be left in the EU's heat, and when will they no longer be at the mercy of the weather?

“Heat is the number one climate-related concern for EU citizens (85%), more than floods (80%), fires (82.5%) or water scarcity (80.5%).”

While some progress is evident, such as the implementation of cooling centers in certain areas, these efforts are still insufficient. The report calls for greater public awareness and more targeted interventions, especially in regions where the need is most acute. For now, the EU is navigating a summer of record-breaking temperatures, with its citizens facing a future where heat is no longer a seasonal inconvenience but a persistent threat to health and well-being.