It has been the hottest summer ever, with each month breaking temperature records since statistics were first documented. Many European countries had several days hotter than 37 °C these past few months. One thing many Europeans do not do to cool off: turn on the air conditioning (AC). When people use the AC in their homes, cars, and businesses, it creates more greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide. ACs need electricity to cool down an area. This electricity is generated by power plants that burn fossil fuels, like coal, to make electricity. This process releases greenhouse gasses into our environment. Greenhouse gases are, of course, what most scientists attribute to the Earth’s steadily rising temperatures during the summer months as well as resulting geographical changes, like melting glaciers. Forgoing the AC during the hot summers is somewhat common in Europe. Many homes and businesses in Germany, for example, do not even have AC. Although some businesses have to close when temperatures are too hot, the government there still does not favor AC for environmental reasons. However, the summer heat can be dangerous when there is no relief from it, and can even cause deaths. The elderly, babies, and others with medical conditions can be particularly impacted on really hot days and must do something to keep cool.
It has been the hottest summer ever, with each month breaking temperature records since statistics were first documented. Many European countries had several days hotter than 37 °C these past few months. One thing many Europeans do not do to cool off: turn on the air conditioning (AC).
Forgoing the AC during the hot summers is somewhat common in Europe. Many homes and businesses in Germany, for example, do not even have AC. Although some businesses have to close when temperatures are too hot, the government there still does not favor AC for environmental reasons. However, the summer heat can be dangerous when there is no relief from it, and can even cause deaths. The elderly, babies, and others with medical conditions can be particularly impacted on really hot days and must do something to keep cool.