Europe’s Buildings Kill in Heatwaves: Why No One Has AC

Europe is facing a deadly problem with heatwaves. Unlike the United States, where air conditioning (AC) is common, most European homes and offices lack cooling systems. This makes extreme heat a serious health risk. The reason is simple: Europe’s buildings were designed for cold weather. Thick stone walls and large windows trap heat inside. Installing AC is expensive and often banned in historic city centers. As a result, indoor temperatures can become dangerously high during summer. This year, heatwaves have already caused hundreds of excess deaths across the continent. Elderly people and those with health conditions are most at risk. Hospitals report a spike in emergency calls when temperatures rise above 40°C (104°F). Governments are now scrambling to adapt. Some cities are planting more trees and painting roofs white to reflect sunlight. Others are setting up public cooling centers. But experts say these measures are not enough. The core issue remains: Europe is not built for heat. Until it changes its infrastructure, each summer will bring a new wave of preventable deaths.