As Western Europe endures one of its most intense heatwaves in years, with temperatures crossing 40 degrees Celsius and deaths mounting across several countries, a familiar question has resurfaced: why is air conditioning still relatively uncommon across much of Europe? Experts say the answer lies in a mix of climate, architecture, energy policy and cultural attitudes that developed long before extreme heat became a regular summer threat.Europe’s housing stock was largely designed to retain warmth rather than shed it. CNN reported that many buildings were constructed decades or even centuries ago, with thick walls, smaller windows and insulation aimed at coping with cold winters. As a result, much of the continent lacks the infrastructure needed for widespread air-conditioning systems, leaving homes vulnerable during prolonged heatwaves. A migrant rests on a mattress near tents at a makeshift camp set up under an elevated railway of a Paris metro line near the Stalingrad subway station, as temperatures rise in paris during a heatwave affecting a large part of France, June 24, 2026. (REUTERS)The report added that while air conditioning is standard in many parts of the United States, ownership rates remain significantly lower across Europe. In countries such as Germany and the United Kingdom, only a small share of households have air-conditioning units, reflecting a historical belief that summers were generally manageable without mechanical cooling.Energy costs and environmental concernsEuropean governments and consumers have long viewed air conditioning with caution because of its high energy consumption and potential environmental impact. Policymakers have instead promoted passive cooling measures, including improved building design, external shutters, ventilation systems and urban greening initiatives.CNN noted that concerns over electricity demand have become particularly relevant as Europe seeks to reduce emissions and transition away from fossil fuels. Critics of widespread air-conditioning adoption argue that greater reliance on cooling systems could increase pressure on already strained power grids during periods of extreme heat.How many Europeans have air conditioning?According to International Energy Agency estimates, air-conditioning ownership remains far below US levels. In countries such as Germany and the UK, household penetration is still in the single digits, compared with widespread adoption across much of the United States. Antonio Herrera, 52, who is disabled, sits on an amphibious chair as he is helped by lifeguards into the Mediterranean sea, as temperatures rise, during a heatwave affecting a large part of Spain, on Barceloneta beach, in Barcelona, Spain, June 23, 2026. (REUTERS)Heatwave exposes growing vulnerabilityThe debate has intensified as Western Europe experiences one of its most severe heatwaves in recent years. According to Reuters, France recorded its hottest day since records began nearly 80 years ago, with temperatures reaching 44.3 degrees Celsius in the southwestern town of Pissos. Authorities have been working to restore power to thousands of homes in Brittany following heat-related disruptions.Story continues below this adReuters reported that Italy’s Health Ministry placed 16 cities, including Rome, Milan and Florence, under its highest heat alert, while Britain issued only the second extreme-heat warning in its history as temperatures approached record levels. Hundreds of schools closed or shortened operating hours because of the heat.At least 40 people have drowned in France while swimming in unsupervised areas to seek relief from a heatwave gripping the country and other parts of Europe.Forecasters warn that the extreme heat is likely to persist through the week.Al Jazeera’s Natacha Butler reports. pic.twitter.com/wqJGHrdoTc— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) June 23, 2026Death toll and infrastructure strainThe human cost of the heatwave continues to mount. According to Reuters, at least 48 people in France died in drowning incidents as they sought relief from the heat, while two young children died after being left in a hot vehicle. In Spain, two elderly people died from heatstroke after temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius.Reuters reported that the extreme weather has also disrupted daily life across the continent. Train operators in Britain imposed speed restrictions, electricity networks came under pressure, and farmers in France shifted grain harvesting to nighttime hours to reduce risks to workers and crops.Climate change driving more extreme summersThe Reuters report said meteorologists attribute the current conditions to a rare “Omega block” weather pattern that traps hot air over large regions for extended periods. The phenomenon has pushed temperatures as much as 18 degrees Celsius above seasonal norms in some areas.Europe is warming at more than twice the global average, according to the World Meteorological Organisation, cited by Reuters. CNN reported that climate scientists increasingly view extreme heat as a defining challenge for the continent, raising questions about whether Europe’s traditional resistance to air conditioning can be sustained as summers become hotter, longer and more dangerous.(With inputs from agencies)