https://www.wsj.com/opinion/in-france-sweltering-is-a-climate-virtue-77145796
By The Editorial Board
Most of France has been sweltering under a heat wave this week, so naturally air conditioning has become the latest flash point in climate politics. The climate scolds want to prod the public into adopting what they call “energy sobriety,” and the French are discovering that in practice this means less AC.
This summer the French government suggested air conditioning should be used mainly by those “who are very sensitive to heat (elderly people, etc.),” or who can’t open the window at night because it’s too loud outside. The advisory urges the rest of the public to opt for a fan instead, draw the blinds, and limit heat emissions from ovens, computers and game consoles.
The government added that if you must use AC, don’t set it below 78 degrees Fahrenheit, and air condition only one room. While it may be “tempting to set your air conditioning to a very cool temperature to cool down quickly,” the French state said that’s a green faux pas that “results in excess electricity consumption.”
That suggestion may become a mandate. The European Union has issued a goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and this year France issued one of its periodic plans for getting there. The report envisions “intelligent building control systems” that ensure nobody’s setting the temperature lower than authorities want.
Meanwhile, the French Education Ministry has promoted a “passive thermal comfort” guide for schools that includes encouraging children to “wet their skin” to cope with the heat, among other palliatives.
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Climate hypocrisy
Many Europeans disapprove of keeping cool with air conditioning, because of its climate impact
But most have no problem using 100x more energy on heating to keep warm
Climate change emotion often trumps logic
As France’s environment minister says: “We need… pic.twitter.com/p8JeTqsIoZ
— Bjorn Lomborg (@BjornLomborg) August 17, 2025
Related:
Uncool Paris: Radical French Eco-Minister Bans Outside Heating In Cafes & Bars July 27, 2020
Climate Lockdowns Begin: France bans short-haul flights ‘to cut carbon emissions’ – You Will Go Nowhere & Be Happy June 1, 2023
Watch: Morano on Fox & Friends on movement to restrict airline travel to four flights per person per lifetime – ‘You will go nowhere & be happy’ October 2, 2023
Great Travel Reset: Poll: 41% of French population favors restricting EVERYONE to ONLY 4 airplane flights in their ENTIRE LIFE to ‘fight against global warming’ September 29, 2023
