In Europe, air conditioning (AC) use has grown steadily alongside rising temperatures due to climate change, though it remains less common than in the US and China. 

The number of AC units has more than doubled since 1990, with residential installations increasing, especially among wealthier households with a projected quadrupling by 2050. However, AC contributes to substantial energy consumption and CO2 emissions, exacerbating the urban heat island effect. 

While essential for health and safety in hot climates, experts advocate for more efficient systems and nature-based solutions to mitigate its environmental impact.