Europeans should learn to love the air conditioner

https://www.economist.com/europe/2026/06/18/europeans-should-learn-to-love-the-air-conditioner

by CalRobert • 1 month ago

6 5 1 month ago

CalRobert3• 1 month ago

The US A/C consumption is one of the reasons the world is so hot right now. Comparing ourselves to that is comparing Milan to one deep round of Hell. A/C doesn't create cold: it spits hot outside, making the city more unlivable, not less. We need more trees to make the city traspirate the heat away.

CalRobert3• 1 month ago

Similarly, we should eliminate heating systems. Agreed re: trees though

ZeroGravitas• 1 month ago

Doesn't even mention that ACs are heat pumps and running them in reverse for heat on other days would save money and the planet compared with gas or electric resistance heating.

CalRobert3• 1 month ago

It baffles me that I can get subsidies for heat pumps if they heat radiators but not if they heat air. I’m enjoying my cool house today anyway. And will enjoy not using gas this winter

Europeans should learn to love the air conditioner

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