Amid a summer of extreme heat, NPR readers from diverse backgrounds share practical, personal, and inventive methods for staying cool without air conditioning, drawing on childhood experiences and family traditions.
Europe is experiencing rising demand for air conditioning due to increasingly frequent heat waves. While politicians debate its use, scientists are exploring "solid-state cooling" as a more efficient, refrigerant-free alternative to conventional ACs, which contribute to global warming.
A collection of news briefs covers Waymo's potential free rides in California due to regulatory delays, the rise of air conditioning in Europe amid extreme heat, a war game simulating a Chinese cyberattack on US water supplies, expiring data center regulations, Amazon worker investigations, the anti-data-center movement in Michigan, AI-driven insurance models, self-driving car interference with first responders, factors behind Venezuela's earthquake damage, environmental certifications for Mexican World Cup stadiums, and community opposition to xAI's data centers.
As the UK faces hotter summers, demand for air conditioning in homes has surged. Costs vary significantly, from portable units (£350-£650) to fully installed ducted systems (£5,000-£10,000). While offering comfort, units increase energy bills and raise environmental concerns.
Europe faces a surge in demand for air conditioning due to rising temperatures. While ACs offer comfort and can save lives, their energy consumption exacerbates climate change. Innovative solid-state cooling technologies are emerging as a potential sustainable alternative.
Germany experienced record-breaking June heat, surpassing 40C. Experts urge rethinking housing design, emphasizing natural materials, smart window proportions, and shading over air conditioning to combat extreme heat and its health consequences.
Europe is experiencing record heatwaves, yet debates over air conditioning persist. While direct cooling is a solution, widespread AC installation faces hurdles due to building design, energy pressures, and political disputes, highlighting a systemic issue in climate change adaptation and lagging infrastructure development.
Criminals are exploiting the UK heatwave by creating fake Aldi websites offering steep discounts on air conditioning units. These sophisticated scams pressure shoppers to act quickly before realizing they've compromised their financial details.
President Donald Trump's Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., is experiencing significant setbacks, including failed air conditioning units, intermittent power problems, and lackluster crowds amidst a severe heatwave. Several Democratic-led states have also withdrawn participation.
Currys CEO Alex Baldock reported a 6% sales increase to £9.2bn and 23% profit rise to £153m, driven by heatwave demand for cooling products and World Cup TV sales. He warned of tight AC and fan supplies for an upcoming heatwave and urged the government to reconsider national insurance increases and business rates for retailers.
France's deputy mayor Audrey Pulvar blamed US air conditioning use for contributing to a heatwave that caused over 1,300 deaths in France, sparking a transatlantic debate with American media, while both regions face extreme temperatures.
An opinion piece criticizes the French government's stance on air conditioning during heatwaves, arguing it's a "liberticidal agenda" that prioritizes ideological control over individual freedom and public health. The author highlights policies that disincentivize A/C installation and contrasts it with the need for climate control in vulnerable settings.
Europe faces intense heatwaves but many homes lack AC due to aesthetic, noise, and climate concerns. Infrastructure strains, yet resistance to cooling systems persists, making AC a political flashpoint.
Tui cruise passengers were stranded in Budapest for two days due to a failed air conditioning system on the Tui Skyla ship during a heatwave. Passengers, including elderly individuals, struggled with temperatures over 35C. Tui has apologized, arranged flights home, and offered full refunds and vouchers.
Paris Deputy Mayor Audrey Pulvar criticized American journalists and the US for its role in global warming, blaming the country's high greenhouse gas emissions and widespread air conditioning use for exacerbating Europe's record-breaking heatwave, which has caused over 1,300 excess deaths in France.
The EU Commission stated it would not micromanage air conditioning use, despite a heated political debate in France and Europe's record heatwave. The bloc considers heating, cooling, and energy efficiency part of a new housing policy under development.
The EU Commission's Brussels headquarters turned off air conditioning on lower floors during a record heatwave, sparking outrage among staff who likened the policy to 'feudalism' as top officials' offices remained cool.
The EU Commission's Brussels headquarters sparked outrage among staff after shutting off air conditioning on lower floors during a record heatwave, while top officials' offices remained cool, highlighting perceived double standards.
France faces its worst heatwave on record, with Paris hitting a June record of 40.9°C. Lack of air conditioning in private flats, especially in densely populated areas, drives a surge in hotel bookings for comfort and sleep.
Tourists in Paris are struggling with a heatwave, complaining about the lack of air conditioning in hotels and public spaces, contrasting the situation with cities like Doha.
A review of 20 fans, including pedestal, bladeless, tower, desk, and evaporative coolers, highlighting energy efficiency, noise, and cooling performance, with the AirCraft Lume standing out as the best overall for its balance of power and quiet operation.
As inflation erodes wage gains, US workers like Gilberto Rubio and Jessica Ordeñana face financial hardship, while the ultrarich, including Elon Musk, see their wealth surge. California's controversial billionaire tax measure heads to a November ballot, reflecting growing public sentiment against extreme wealth inequality.
Singapore's cooling strategy, developed by Lee Kuan Yew, is receiving praise in Europe during a deadly heatwave. Elon Musk called the late statesman a "genius" for his foresight in embracing air conditioning as temperatures break records across the continent.
Great Britain's National Energy System Operator (Neso) issued a second electricity supply alert this week, asking generators for extra power on Friday evening due to high demand from air conditioning and reduced generation capacity caused by Europe's heatwave.
