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Record Heat Grips Europe: Millions Face Extreme Temperatures Unprepared
1 Jun
Summary
- 68% of EU citizens lack air conditioning or fan systems at home.
- Heat is the top climate concern for 85% of EU citizens.
- Many homes in southern Europe lack basic cooling features like shutters.
Europe is facing unprecedented early summer heat, with record temperatures recorded across the continent in May. Despite the rising temperatures and heat being the top climate concern for 85% of EU citizens, a significant majority—68%—lack essential air conditioning or fan systems at home. This unpreparedness is most acute in countries like France, Greece, Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Romania, where a substantial portion of the population cannot afford cooling systems.
Furthermore, basic passive cooling features are also lacking in many homes, particularly in southern Europe. Over 60% of homes in Spain, Portugal, and Italy do not have features like shutters or awnings. This situation is especially concerning given that a quarter of the EU population is over 65, with older populations concentrated in already vulnerable nations.
While authorities are improving heatwave alerts, proactive measures like public cooling centers and widespread tree planting remain less common. Adjustments to work schedules are also infrequent. This leaves millions of Europeans exposed to extreme heat, with personal cooling solutions often out of reach.
