How the heatwave crippled Europe (PHOTOS, VIDEOS)

Europe is experiencing a severe heatwave, breaking temperature records across the continent and leading to thousands of deaths and damaged infrastructure. Despite the extreme conditions, air conditioning is often resisted due to environmental concerns, high costs, and ideological opposition, with leaders focusing on long-term climate goals like the European Green Deal.

• Record-breaking temperatures are scorching Europe, causing infrastructure damage like melting traffic lights and warping tram lines.
• The heatwave has been attributed to thousands of excess deaths across Europe, particularly among the elderly.
• Despite the extreme heat, air conditioning use is limited in many European countries due to ideological and environmental objections.
• Political opposition to widespread AC installation exists, with arguments citing power consumption, increased outdoor temperatures, and accessibility for wealthier households.
• The European Union is pushing its Green Deal, aiming for climate neutrality by 2050, but this offers no short-term solutions for the current heatwave.
• Alternative cooling methods like heat pumps are expensive, and temporary measures like public sprinklers and cooling baths are being implemented.