How does income affect home cooling in Europe?

A significant income disparity exists, with 66% of those experiencing financial difficulties unable to afford adequate cooling, compared to only 9% of affluent Europeans.

What is the difference in cooling affordability between renters and homeowners in the EU?

Nearly half of renters report being unable to afford to keep their homes cool, a challenge faced by 29% of homeowners.

What action is being called for to address natural disaster adaptation in the EU?

There are calls for a binding EU law on adaptation to natural disasters to set clear rules, assess risks, and make strategies binding.

Home / Environment / Europe's Heat Divide: Rich Stay Cool, Poor Suffer

Europe's Heat Divide: Rich Stay Cool, Poor Suffer

4 Feb

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Summary

Affluent Europeans rarely face overheating; 66% of low-income struggle with cooling costs.
Renters are twice as likely as homeowners to lack affordable cooling options.
EU urged for binding adaptation laws to ensure safe living conditions amidst climate change.

Europe's Heat Divide: Rich Stay Cool, Poor Suffer

A significant income disparity is evident in Europe regarding home overheating. Only 9 percent of affluent Europeans reported issues with high temperatures indoors, in stark contrast to 66 percent of individuals experiencing financial hardship who stated they could not afford proper cooling.

This climate impact disproportionately affects those with fewer resources. Homeowners are better positioned than renters, with nearly half of renters unable to afford to keep their homes cool, compared to 29 percent of homeowners. This situation comes as the European Commission is developing a plan to enhance the bloc's resilience to climate events.

Calls for stronger legislative action are growing, with a German Green MEP advocating for a binding EU law on adaptation to natural disasters. Such a law would establish clear rules and binding strategies to ensure safe living conditions and environmental protection across the EU.