With climate change intensifying heat waves across Europe, air conditioning (AC) is increasingly recognised as an important adaptation measure to mitigate heat-related mortality and morbidity. A new study by ACCREU Project partners BC3, Climate Analytics and CMCC explores the impact of AC adoption under various climate and socioeconomic scenarios, estimating that by 2050, increased AC availability could prevent up to 19,947 deaths and significantly reduce hospitalisations in high-emission scenarios across Europe.
The study also examines the cost-effectiveness of fiscal incentives to promote AC adoption, particularly among vulnerable populations. Findings suggest that untargeted subsidies—available to all households—are more effective in achieving public health benefits than targeted subsidies for lower-income groups, which require higher financial support but lead to limited adoption. Under the most favorable conditions, an untargeted subsidy program could justify increasing AC coverage by 20-25% based on health benefits valued with the Value of a Statistical Life (VSL).
However, the study highlights important trade-offs: while AC reduces health risks, its widespread adoption raises concerns about energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions and has high fiscal costs. The study underscores the need for integrated cooling strategies, including passive cooling and energy-efficient technologies, to ensure sustainable climate adaptation.
Read the study “Impactsonhealth&wellbeing”
Photo by Elimende Inagella on Unsplash