Extreme heat sweeping through France has ignited fresh arguments on air conditioning use. Far-right figure Marine Le Pen urges broad state-backed expansion of AC units, while Green leaders ease their prior opposition and concede that some growth in cooling systems may prove unavoidable amid shifting weather patterns.

Just one in four French homes currently features an air conditioning unit.

Many hospitals lack these systems too, leaving patients vulnerable during peaks of heat and prompting staff complaints about increasingly difficult work environments.

Most schools also miss out on air conditioning, with coverage at only 14 percent. Numerous sites lack even basic protections like shutters, blinds or operable windows, leading some to close or shorten classes last week.

Care homes show similar gaps despite heightened risks for the elderly and young children during intense heat spells.

France's public health body reports roughly 1,000 excess deaths tied to the ongoing heatwave, 85 percent involving those over age 65. Officials note these numbers remain early estimates and could rise.

The prior summer saw around 5,700 heat-related deaths across the country.

High fatalities may connect to limited air conditioning access, more common in Europe than in the United States where 90 percent of homes have units. Heat claimed 44,000 lives in Europe last year versus 2,000 in the US.

Forecasters predict another heatwave striking France from 6 July, lasting longer and growing stronger, with some models showing peaks near 45 degrees Celsius.

Experts note this summer's events could rival the 2003 crisis that caused up to 14,800 extra deaths in France, mostly among older residents.

French doubts on air conditioning

Green party leader Marine Tondelier challenged norms last week by stating air conditioning belongs in schools and hospitals at minimum.

"Certain spots now require it without exception," she noted, shifting from her group's history of opposing AC as the poorest climate response.

Critics long argued that air conditioning accelerates warming by venting heat outward and risking leaks of potent greenhouse gases from refrigerants.

They further highlighted electricity demands, despite France drawing 70 percent of power from low-carbon nuclear sources.

Public views align closely, with eight in ten seeing AC as environmentally damaging per a recent poll. One in six said they would endure discomfort to protect the planet.

Such opinions may shift under prolonged heat stress.

Rules tightly control AC placement, especially in historic districts, often needing multiple approvals that complicate installs for renters over owners.

Policy reflects this caution, with building standards stressing insulation, plants and natural airflow to minimize AC reliance.

Pushback has emerged in places like Nantes, where a new hospital planned cooling in just half its rooms. Doctors' groups protested, seeking full coverage after 40-degree readings hit the city last week.

Plans for air conditioning

Discussions in France have weighed whether AC counts as needless excess or a practical climate measure. Many still fear sudden temperature shifts could trigger health issues like colds or dizziness.