France is grappling with a significant policy dilemma as record-breaking temperatures force a re-evaluation of its long-held reservations about air conditioning. With the country experiencing its hottest day on record this week, the debate over 'la clim' (climatisation) has intensified, revealing deep divisions across the political spectrum.
Currently, air conditioning uptake in France is notably low, with only a quarter of households possessing a unit. This contrasts sharply with figures of around 50% in Spain and Italy, and 90% in the US and Japan. The lack of cooling extends to critical public services, with hospitals and schools rarely equipped, leading to widespread closures and staff complaints about intolerable working conditions during heatwaves. The immediate consequence has been a surge in demand for portable air conditioning units, as residents and institutions seek temporary relief.
The traditional opposition to air conditioning, particularly from the environmentalist left, has been rooted in concerns about its contribution to climate change. Critics argue that air conditioning, by consuming electricity and often relying on refrigerant gases that are potent greenhouse gases, exacerbates global warming. Furthermore, the expulsion of hot air from units can contribute to an 'urban heating effect', potentially raising city temperatures. Historically, the Green movement has viewed air conditioning as a superficial solution that distracts from tackling the root causes of climate change.
However, the severity of recent heatwaves appears to be shifting perspectives. Marine Tondelier, head of the Ecologists party, recently broke from what she termed "anti-clim dogma," acknowledging the necessity of air conditioning in essential facilities like schools and hospitals. This concession marks a significant departure from previous Green policy. Conversely, right-wing parties, led by Marine Le Pen's National Rally, are advocating for a mass, subsidised rollout of air conditioning units, including a proposed £17.2 billion government-backed loan scheme for households. This plan, however, has been criticised by opponents as opportunistic and lacking detailed costing.
Government policy, too, has largely mirrored the environmentalist stance, prioritising insulation, green infrastructure, and advanced air-circulation systems in new builds and renovations, with the explicit aim of negating the need for air conditioning. This approach has drawn criticism from medical trade unions, particularly regarding new hospital developments where air conditioning is not universally installed. Valerie Pécresse, the conservative president of the Paris regional council, has called for a broader integration of air conditioning into cooling strategies, citing a perceived "anti-clim ideology" within the state.