Can Europe Beat the Heat Without More Air Conditioners?

AI Summary

Europe is experiencing more frequent and intense heatwaves, leading to a surge in air conditioner usage. This increase in cooling demand challenges efforts to reduce fossil fuel dependency and encourages exploration of low-carbon cooling alternatives.

With Europe facing more frequent and hotter heatwaves, the uptake of air conditioning systems has soared across the region in recent years. This trend is driving energy demand and making it more difficult for countries to reduce reliance on fossil fuels in favour of renewable alternatives. Several countries across Europe have made ambitious green transition pledges, which is why many governments, companies, and researchers are exploring alternative, less carbon-intensive methods for cooling. Researchers have been investigating alternative cooling…