YouGov Survey Finds 41%-48% of Europeans Favor AC Over CO2 Cuts After Heatwaves

2 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Aug 24

61% to 73% of respondents across six European countries backed making air conditioning standard in new homes, and 65% to 75% supported easier installation rules.
41% to 48% in every country except Italy said reducing heatwave harm should take priority over cutting CO2 emissions, while only 20% to 33% chose the reverse.
Four recent heatwaves drove that shift: 30% to 52% feared for their household’s health near 40C, and 27% to 53% said they could not keep their homes cool enough.
Cost remains the main barrier, cited by 51% to 75% of non-owners, even as AC ownership stays low in much of Europe—11% in the UK and 16% in Germany versus 63% in Italy.
The poll still showed limits to an AC-first approach: 27% to 42% wanted governments to prioritize shutters, insulation and reflective roofs, and experts continue to favor those longer-term fixes.