An American in Paris, Sans Air-Conditioning

Key Points:

• France is experiencing a significant shift in attitudes toward air-conditioning (AC) amid record-breaking heat waves, with many residents, historically resistant to AC, now recognizing it as essential for survival.
• Traditional French resistance to AC stems from cultural values that associate comfort with moral failing and fears of "thermal shock," alongside concerns about high electricity costs and environmental impacts.
• The country's iconic architecture, such as Haussmannian apartments, lacks built-in AC, and public institutions like hospitals and schools are generally unequipped, leaving residents with minimal relief during extreme heat.
• Political responses to the heat wave are evolving, with parties across the spectrum, including far-right and ecological groups, acknowledging the need for investment in cooling infrastructure despite past resistance.
• Experts and residents criticize the government's slow adaptation to climate change, emphasizing the urgent need for both short-term relief measures and long-term structural changes to protect public health amid rising temperatures.