00:03You're watching Euronews' fact-checking show, The Cube.
00:07You may have seen these social media videos which centre on Europe's heatwave caused by a heat dome with a
00:13touch of humour.
00:14But a more serious topic lies behind them, and it's about how Europeans adapt to these high temperatures which are
00:20only set to become more frequent.
00:22Europe's aircon usage is currently relatively low compared to other continents, particularly in contrast with North America and Asia.
00:28Only around 20% of households across Europe have air conditioning.
00:33This is due to a range of reasons, including the fact that temperatures used to be milder in Western Europe.
00:39Scientists say that the temperatures reached over the course of the latest heatwave would have been near impossible a few
00:45decades ago.
00:46Politicians often frame the choice as simple – install aircon or don't.
00:50We spoke to experts who broke down the environmental and health trade-offs of aircon.
00:55They say the reality is more nuanced.
00:58Evidence suggests that air conditioning can play an important role in protecting people during heatwaves by reducing heat-related health
01:05risks.
01:06This is particularly important when it comes to treating vulnerable groups such as the elderly, hospital patients and people with
01:12underlying health conditions.
01:14Some air conditioning critics argue that it is unhealthy and can make people ill.
01:18But experts also say that the technology itself is not inherently the problem.
01:23Risks can arise when aircon filters are not properly maintained, cleaned or replaced.
01:28On the environmental front, cooling systems increase electricity demand, especially during heatwaves.
01:34If they are powered by fossil fuels, this can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
01:38As intense heatwaves become more frequent, experts say that air conditioning will inevitably have a role to play.
01:45But crucially alongside other measures such as better insulation, shading and urban planning.
01:51We'll see you next time.
01:52We'll see you next time.
01:54We'll see you next time.
01:56Let's go.
