Europe's Heatwave Exposes Shortage of Air Conditioning and Outdated Ventilation Practices

A prolonged heatwave is sweeping across Europe, prompting comparisons with the United States and Singapore where air‑conditioning is ubiquitous. In Europe, especially in older housing stock, cooling is still seen as a luxury and many buildings rely on historic ventilation methods such as light‑wells (světlíky) and chimney‑effect airflow.

These natural‑ventilation designs, common in 19th‑century apartments in cities like Prague, Vienna and Berlin, were once sufficient for hygiene and temperature control. Modern renovations have often sealed them, leaving residents without effective cooling during extreme temperatures. Experts warn that the lack of air‑conditioning contributes to higher mortality, reduced cognitive performance, lower productivity and greater strain on health services.

The situation highlights a broader challenge for European cities: updating building standards and retrofitting existing structures to provide reliable cooling while balancing energy and climate goals.