Environment & Climate
Poll shows Europeans prioritize expanding air conditioning over lowering emissions amid extreme heat
A survey across six European countries found widespread support for air conditioning subsidies and mandates, though passive cooling remains a preferred government priority.
The short version
- A YouGov survey across France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the UK found respondents in most polled countries prioritize adopting air conditioning over reducing carbon emissions.
- Majorities in all surveyed countries favored requiring air conditioning in new homes, easing installation rules, and offering government subsidies.
- Cost remains the primary barrier to adoption, while between 27% and 42% of respondents want governments to prioritize passive cooling methods like insulation and external shutters over mechanical cooling.
Key facts
- In every surveyed country except Italy, more respondents (41% to 48%) favored prioritizing air conditioning adoption to curb heatwave harms over lowering carbon emissions (20% to 33%).[The Guardian]
- Between 61% and 73% of respondents across the six nations supported mandating air conditioning installations in all new homes.[The Guardian]
- Between 65% and 75% of participants favored easing restrictions to install air conditioning without landlord or municipal council approval, while 52% to 66% backed state subsidies.[The Guardian]
- Current air conditioning ownership varies widely across Europe, recorded at 63% in Italy, 58% in Spain, 30% in France, 23% in Poland, 16% in Germany, and 11% in the UK.[The Guardian]
- When asked about government priorities, more respondents (27% to 42%) preferred focusing on non-mechanical cooling solutions, such as insulation, reflective roofs, and external shutters, compared to 12% to 20% who prioritized air conditioning.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- Whether European governments will adapt building codes or offer financial subsidies for cooling systems remains unaddressed by policymakers in the reporting.[The Guardian]