The Global Story - The air conditioning culture wars
Download The air conditioning culture wars
A series of record-breaking heatwaves in Europe this summer has led to a surge in demand for air conditioning units. As Europeans search for a way to stay cool, attitudes and policies towards air conditioning have led to a heated political debate in France, which has baffled some Americans
Tristan explains to Sumi Somaskanda how air conditioning became part of the culture wars, and we ask Graihagh Jackson, the host of the BBC podcast The Climate Question, how bad AC actually is for the environment.
Producers: Sam Chantarasak and Valerio Esposito
Executive producer: China Collins and Bridget Harney
Sound engineer: Travis Evans
Senior news editor: China Collins
Photo: People cool off in the Trocadero Fountains by the Eiffel Tower during high temperatures amid a heatwave in Paris. (REUTERS/Tom Nicholson)
Published on Monday, 13th July 2026.
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