The situation, in brief
As extreme heatwaves scorch different parts of the world, people are increasingly turning to cooling systems such as air conditioning. But the debate over whether air conditioning is a necessity, a luxury, or an ecological threat remains unresolved. A commentary by Chelsea Follett for the Cato…
As extreme heatwaves scorch different parts of the world, people are increasingly turning to cooling systems such as air conditioning.
But the debate over whether air conditioning is a necessity, a luxury, or an ecological threat remains unresolved.
A commentary by Chelsea Follett for the Cato Institute and a study published on EconStor titled “Rising danger of air conditioners: A necessity or a luxury?” present two contrasting perspectives on the global cooling debate.
According to the Cato Institute, European policies and public opinion remain largely hostile toward residential air conditioning, often framing it as a luxury rather than a necessity.
Data from the World Health Organization estimate that heatwaves kill more than 175,000 people in Europe each year. Despite this, around 80% of households across the continent still lack air conditioning, compared to nearly 90% coverage in the United States.
“Though localities cite many reasons for opposing air conditioning installation, Europe’s broader war on AC is largely due to the belief that this technology is an energy-guzzling and wasteful luxury,” Follett said.
In some European cities, regulations restrict cooling through measures such as local council approvals, medical certification requirements, historic preservation rules, and limits on thermostat settings. In certain areas, commercial or public spaces are prohibited from setting temperatures below 27°C.
The Cato commentary argues that treating air conditioning as a luxury overlooks its role in protecting human health during extreme heat events.
It also cited historical data from the National Bureau of Economic Research, which showed that the widespread adoption of air conditioning in the 20th century reduced heat-related mortality in the United States by approximately 75%.
On the other hand, the EconStor study highlights the environmental and energy costs associated with increased air conditioning use.
Analyzing energy, climate, and GDP data across 17 major economies—accounting for more than 70% of global cooling-related electricity consumption—the study found a strong relationship between rising temperatures, economic growth, and surging demand for cooling.
Key findings show that as urban populations continue to rise, air conditioning is shifting from a luxury for the wealthy to a basic consumer expectation.
However, the study warned that increased reliance on cooling systems also drives higher carbon dioxide emissions, as many power grids still depend heavily on fossil fuels.
During summer months, rising electricity demand for cooling also increases the risk of power outages during prolonged heatwaves.
Both analyses point to a common conclusion: as global temperatures continue to climb, demand for cooling solutions will also increase.
However, experts stress the need for balanced policies. The EconStor study recommends that governments expand access to cooling while investing in decarbonization, energy efficiency standards, and climate-responsive urban design to ensure that cooling technologies do not further worsen the climate crisis they are meant to address.
