Despite hotter summers and an aging population, less than about one‑fifth of European homes have air conditioning. Cultural and mitigation‑first narratives discourage adoption of efficient mini‑splits that sharply reduce heat mortality and preserve productivity. Japan shows near‑universal AC can coexist with strong cultural identity.
— It reframes climate policy to prioritize life‑saving adaptation alongside mitigation, challenging moralized resistance to basic cooling technology.
msmash
2025.09.17
60% relevant
The article documents governments mandating cooling measures and heat breaks (e.g., Japan fines at 28C wet‑bulb; Singapore’s 15‑minute hourly breaks at 33C), underscoring that adaptation via cooling and structured rest is becoming legally required—complementing the argument that resisting cooling technologies has real health costs.
Noah Smith
2025.09.09
62% relevant
Smith lists air conditioning among technologies facing Western backlash and argues this rejection is irrational despite clear welfare gains, echoing the documented European resistance to AC adoption that increases heat risk.
Diana Kwon
2025.08.27
60% relevant
The article’s claim that heat triggers molecular damage and may accelerate aging strengthens the case for life‑saving adaptation (e.g., efficient air conditioning) beyond moralized resistance to cooling; Pope Moseley’s warning that we ‘underestimate heat’ aligns with pro‑adaptation arguments.
Noah Smith
2025.08.23
100% relevant
The article cites Europe’s ~<20% AC penetration versus near‑universal Japanese mini‑splits and links this gap to preventable heat deaths.