“We designed our cities based on past climate conditions,” remarked Jeroen Kluck, a professor at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences who studies climate resilience in urban areas.
“Our simulations indicate that more homes will become too hot, even with sun screening and ventilation,” he noted. “In the future, active cooling systems might be necessary for these houses.”
Air-conditioning is increasing but remains rare in Europe. Approximately 20% of European households have AC, compared to 90% in the US.
High heat-related mortality in Europe is due to “multiple factors, but clearly, air-conditioning is a crucial life-saving measure,” stated Monasso. “There’s substantially less coverage in Europe, which is a major concern, and improved access would make a difference.”
It’s not just residences: Factories, schools, trains, and hospitals also lack adequate cooling.
Workplace heat-related deaths in the EU have increased by 42% since 2000, leading the European Trade Union Confederation to urge Brussels to implement mandatory cooling breaks and establish maximum working temperatures in labor laws.
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