As Europe accelerates its green transition, the debate over air conditioning has become emblematic of a broader challenge. Climate policy is no longer judged solely by its environmental ambitions, but also by whether it can reduce emissions without deepening social inequalities.
Keeping cool has become Europe's latest climate class war
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Story Timeline
Wed 04:00 - Financial Times
To cool or not to cool: French politicians draw battle lines over aircon
Wed 13:51 - BBC Headlines
Air conditioning creates political divide as France records hottest day
Fri 13:35 - Euronews
To use air con or not? The facts behind the politicised battle to stay cool in Europe
Sun 09:24 - DW All
Germany news: Extreme heat heads east, Greens want air con
Sun 09:24 - DW Top
Germany news: Extreme heat heads east, Greens want air con
Sun 13:12 - France 24
What France gets wrong about air conditioning
Mon 14:11 - Euronews
AC should be prioritised for the elderly and vulnerable, expert says
Mon 14:42 - Euronews
Keeping cool has become Europe's latest climate class war
Mon 14:46 - France 24
EU refuses to take side for or against air conditioning amid record-breaking heatwave
Mon 14:53 - Euronews
Neither pro nor con: EU declines to take stand on AC debate amid brutal heatwave