It is a good idea that the French figure out how to get air conditioning given the number of people who have died in the summer heat over the years. Germany has a similar culture around air conditioning to what you have mentioned in France, which is to bear with it. I am in Northern Germany and even we have heat waves. I have a heating cooling pump, which was installed when we rehabbed our old house, so all our pipes, wiring and walls are new. We also have good insulation, something I recommend if one owns one's home.
It beats the strategies I had to give my daughter for her getting through her first summer heatwave in her city as a student with no air conditioning. I taught her getting into the shower in cotton clothing that will retain the coolness on your skin for longer, and when they dry or your body gets warm get in again. Also, to have cotton cloths that are wet and to use them on the neck and head. Close the windows in the morning, and open them at night.
Everyone here ridiculed the idea of getting cooling, but I recognized that as the planet is heating up, it is always a good investment. So, my temperature indoors is controlled by thermostats and I can keep my place the same temp all year around. In the summer, the solar energy takes care of the cost for us too.
I am glad France is discussing air conditioning because it will mean Germany will too at some point.
Excellent article with in depth analysis of the practical and political impediments of A/C in France. Something has to be done, but the way forward is, as you illustrate here, far from clear.
It is a good idea that the French figure out how to get air conditioning given the number of people who have died in the summer heat over the years. Germany has a similar culture around air conditioning to what you have mentioned in France, which is to bear with it. I am in Northern Germany and even we have heat waves. I have a heating cooling pump, which was installed when we rehabbed our old house, so all our pipes, wiring and walls are new. We also have good insulation, something I recommend if one owns one's home.
It beats the strategies I had to give my daughter for her getting through her first summer heatwave in her city as a student with no air conditioning. I taught her getting into the shower in cotton clothing that will retain the coolness on your skin for longer, and when they dry or your body gets warm get in again. Also, to have cotton cloths that are wet and to use them on the neck and head. Close the windows in the morning, and open them at night.
Everyone here ridiculed the idea of getting cooling, but I recognized that as the planet is heating up, it is always a good investment. So, my temperature indoors is controlled by thermostats and I can keep my place the same temp all year around. In the summer, the solar energy takes care of the cost for us too.
I am glad France is discussing air conditioning because it will mean Germany will too at some point.
Excellent article with in depth analysis of the practical and political impediments of A/C in France. Something has to be done, but the way forward is, as you illustrate here, far from clear.