Europe's heatwave exposes more than rising temperatures
2,000 euros vs 2,000 yuan
For people accustomed to air conditioning, the question is obvious: Why don't Europeans just turn it on?
The answer is just equally obvious: They have too few air conditioning units.
Cost is the first obstacle.
Buying an air conditioner in Europe is far more expensive than many people in China would imagine. The unit itself is costly, but installation, labor and various service fees often nearly double the final bill. A household can easily spend more than 2,000 euros ($2,280) for a single installation, while in China a similar-capacity unit often costs only a fraction of that amount.
In a broader sense, industrial products in Europe are generally more expensive. Bicycles, household appliances and many everyday consumer goods all cost significantly more than comparable products in China. The reason is clear: much of Europe's manufacturing capacity has gradually shifted elsewhere over recent decades, while services and finance have become increasingly important parts of the economy. Consumers ultimately bear those higher costs.
When air conditioning is viewed as an expensive luxury rather than a household necessity, many families simply decide they can survive without it.
But money is only part of the story, as anybody living in Europe must know that obtaining the legal certificates for installing an air conditioner is sometimes harder than buying one.
Many Europeans live in apartment buildings where the exterior walls belong to the entire building rather than individual residents, and hanging an outdoor compressor often requires approval from the building association. If the building is located in a historic district or protected area, additional permission from local authorities may also be necessary.
Noise regulations add another layer of complexity. Installation positions must be carefully regulated so that outdoor units do not disturb neighbors. In some cases, by the time every approval has been obtained, summer is nearly over and the temperature becomes tolerable again - until the next summer arrives.
To be fair, these rules are not entirely unreasonable. European cities contain countless buildings that are far older than modern electrical systems, while many historical neighborhoods are protected because they represent centuries of architectural heritage. Residents also tend to value quiet living environments. It is social consensus that protecting old buildings and respecting neighbors are perfectly legitimate goals.
Yet living here also makes one wonder whether efficiency sometimes becomes the victim of procedure.
If my downstairs neighbor happened to come from a riverside that regularly experiences 50-degree summers, would he enthusiastically support my air conditioner application? Or would he simply prefer the building to remain exactly as it has always been?
I feel so fortunate that I have not had to test that question personally.
Another explanation often offered is environmental protection, stressing that Europe cherishes the environment more than itself.
Yes, Europe certainly takes environmental policies seriously. The attached bottle cap required under European Union rules has become one of the most visible examples. Instead of separating completely from the bottle, the cap remains connected after opening, reducing the likelihood that small plastic caps become litter.
But living here also reveals some interesting contrasts. For example, paper still dominates everyday life in ways that surprise many newcomers from China.
My physical mailbox fills up every few days with supermarket advertisements, promotional catalogues and paper discount coupons. Instead of opening a mobile app and showing a digital coupon at checkout, many consumers still receive thick printed booklets through the mail, cut out the coupons manually and hand them to cashiers.
Standing beside an overflowing mailbox after hearing constant discussions about sustainability inevitably raises an interesting question: How much paper does all this consume?
