The “extreme heat” currently affecting much of southern Europe and the Mediterranean is expected to intensify by the middle of the week and new records could be set, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned. ). Many homes in Europe are not air-conditioned, even when temperatures exceed 37°C in parts of Italy, Greece and Spain.

According to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) from 2018, the latest available data from the agency, less than 10% of European homes have air conditioning. In total, the European Union accounts for only around 6% of the world’s air conditioning units.

In contrast, about 90% of homes in the United States and Japan have air conditioning.

“Air conditioning is highly concentrated in a small number of countries, with two-thirds of all systems in use being in just three countries: China, the United States and Japan,” the International Energy Agency said. in the 2018 report.

IEA figures released in 2021 show that the United States accounts for around 20% of air conditioning units worldwide and China accounts for 40% of air conditioning units, while the rest of the world accounts for a combined total of 29 %.

“In general, Europeans have been less likely to install an air conditioner compared to their American counterparts until recently, although this is changing as the ownership of air conditioning in Italy, Spain, Greece and the southern France has increased rapidly over the past decade,” the IEA said. said in 2018.

While the proliferation of air conditioning in the United States, China and Japan helps these countries stay cool in hot weather, it also increases energy consumption and carbon emissions.

“The use of air conditioners and electric fans to keep things cool accounts for almost 20% of the total electricity used in buildings around the world today,” the International Energy Agency said in its 2018 report. “And that trend will grow as the global economy and population growth becomes more focused on the hottest countries.
As demand for air conditioning increases, European governments are trying to find ways to reduce costs and emissions.

The Italian government has implemented maximum cooling levels in summer and minimum heating levels in winter in all public buildings except hospitals. Meanwhile, France last summer introduced fines for shops that keep their doors open even when the air conditioning is on.

IEA figures for 2021 show that global CO2 emissions from air conditioning were 994 metric tons, which are mostly indirect emissions from electricity generation.

With an estimated 1.6 billion electric air conditioners worldwide, a number expected to triple by 2050, cooling technology could release enough greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere to raise temperatures from 0 .5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century, according to the Rocky Mountain Institute.

The IEA noted that investing in more efficient air conditioning units could halve future energy demand.

With previous reporting by CNN’s Eliza Mackintosh and Ivana Kottasová.