Keeping cool has become Europe’s latest climate class war
Poinews.com – In recent weeks, Europe has witnessed a surge in the use of air conditioning, transforming it into a highly politicized issue. Once viewed as a luxury in much of the continent, cooling systems are now central to the debate over climate change and social inequality, as temperatures have reached extreme levels for nearly two weeks. The shift highlights how climate change is reshaping traditional European practices, such as relying on thick masonry buildings, shaded streets, and mild summers to stay comfortable.
Historically, Europe’s cooler climate allowed communities to manage heat through architectural design and natural elements. However, the increasing frequency of heatwaves, with summer temperatures routinely exceeding 35°C, has challenged this norm. Urban areas, in particular, face heightened risks due to the “heat island” effect, where concrete and asphalt trap warmth, pushing some neighborhoods to 41°C or more. This has sparked a conflict between climate goals and growing class disparities.
A Climate-Driven Divide
As the climate emergency intensifies, access to cooling is becoming a matter of wealth. While wealthier households and employers upgrade with energy-efficient heat pumps and insulation, lower-income residents often lack such options. Many live in poorly ventilated apartments, top-floor units, or dense cities with limited green spaces. Rising electricity costs further strain their ability to afford even basic cooling solutions.
“This heat is not only a climate emergency, but it is also a class war. The rich burn the planet, then buy air conditioning, private pools and second homes while workers are left in overheated flats, unsafe jobs, failed public services and burning cities,”
states a statement from the left-wing political alliance DIEM25, led by former Greek Finance Minister Yannis Varoufakis.
The debate has gained momentum after French politician Marine Le Pen proposed subsidizing air conditioning for all, a move that even traditionally critical environmental groups have partially accepted. The French Greens, led by presidential candidate Marine Tondelier, noted that “not necessary a few years ago, is becoming so,” as cooling systems are now seen as essential for survival in many regions.
Heatwaves and Health Impacts
Extreme heat is no longer just uncomfortable—it is deadly. France recently endured one of its most severe heatwaves on record, with temperatures nearing or surpassing 40°C. Over 1,000 excess deaths were linked to the event, primarily affecting older adults. Spain reported 327 heat-related fatalities, underscoring the growing threat across the continent.
“The problem is the worst in the south, of course, that’s where we see most of the accidents. At the same time, though, we have been recording the highest increases in accidents in central and northern Europe,”
explained Andreas Flouris, a physiology professor at the University of Thessaly in Greece. He added that “the centre and the north are catching up,” as heatwave risks expand beyond southern regions.
A recent European Trade Union Institute report revealed that approximately 130 million workers in Europe are exposed to heat stress, leading to 277,000 related injuries. This data reinforces how the climate crisis is intensifying the divide, with access to cooling increasingly tied to economic status. As heatwaves become more frequent, the battle over who can afford to stay cool is shaping a new front in the fight against climate change.
