A survey released in early june by IPSOS indicated that 78% of French people consider air conditioning to be environmentally unfriendly. In 2021, nearly 60% of respondents stated they would rather endure the heat than install such a device.

This perspective stems from concerns that air conditioning consumes significant energy, uses refrigerants that contribute to the greenhouse effect, and expels hot air, intensifying the urban heat island phenomenon. France's climate change adaptation plan designates air conditioning as a last-resort solution, reserved primarily for vulnerable populations.

A salesperson introduces a home air conditioning system to a couple at a Castorama store in Bondues, France, on 26/5. Photo: PASCAL BONNIERE/VOIX DU NORD/MAXPPP

Not all air conditioners are the same

However, a growing number of experts now argue that this perspective is becoming outdated.

While inexpensive units often have low efficiency and high electricity consumption, modern two-way air conditioning systems and heat pumps operate more efficiently. If replacing oil or gas heating systems, heat pumps can significantly reduce household carbon emissions.

In France alone, over 95% of electricity is generated from low-carbon sources. According to recent data, emissions from residential air conditioning account for approximately 3 million tons of CO2, representing 0.8% of the total national emissions. This figure is lower than emissions from residential heating systems.

Impact on urban temperature

One common criticism of air conditioning is its potential to increase urban temperatures.

A 2020 study by the Paris institute of technology (IPD) revealed that if all buildings were cooled to 23 degrees celsius, outdoor temperatures would rise by 0 to 0.75 degrees celsius. During heatwaves, this increase could reach up to 2.4 degrees celsius.

While this negatively impacts outdoor workers or those experiencing homelessness, studies confirm that air conditioning helps reduce heat-related deaths. In Japan, air conditioning increases urban temperatures by 0.046 degrees celsius in summer, contributing to 3% of deaths, yet it helps reduce the overall number of deaths during heatwaves by 36%.

Many experts emphasize that passive measures remain the priority, such as improved insulation, installing shade structures, using fans, and expanding green spaces. However, a study by the French environment and energy management agency (ADEME) indicates that these measures only delay the need for air conditioning and will be insufficient to maintain comfort levels by 2050.

Climatologist Valerie Masson-Delmotte noted that current infrastructure was designed for a climate system that no longer exists.

Experts suggest that air conditioning should be considered one of many tools for adapting to a warming climate, alongside urban planning and emission reduction efforts. Acknowledging the role of air conditioning can help establish more efficient usage standards, thereby limiting negative impacts during heatwaves.

"We need to find a way to reconcile the obligation to cut greenhouse gases and the need for cooling in summer", Valerie Masson-Delmotte said.

By Nhat Minh (via Le Monde)