Europe's crusade against air conditioning is insane
20 hours ago
- #cultural-resistance
- #climate-change
- #technology-adoption
- Europe's resistance to air conditioning (AC) is causing preventable heat-related deaths, with an estimated 175,000 annually.
- AC adoption in Europe is low (~20%) due to climate concerns, cultural resistance, and bureaucratic barriers.
- Japan's 'wakon yosai' (Japanese soul, Western technology) approach shows successful integration of foreign tech without cultural loss.
- European elites often view AC as an unnecessary American extravagance, framing it as a cultural issue.
- Climate change is increasing heatwaves in Europe, making AC a necessity rather than a luxury.
- Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew credited AC as crucial for economic development in tropical climates.
- Degrowth ideology in Europe prioritizes austerity over technological solutions, exacerbating human suffering.
- European regulations and NIMBYism further hinder AC installation, despite its life-saving potential.
- Comparisons between heat deaths in Europe and gun deaths in the U.S. highlight the severity of the issue.
- Cultural and historical factors, such as architectural traditions and superstitions, contribute to Europe's AC reluctance.