Paris Deputy Mayor Rebuffs US Criticism on Air Conditioners, Cites Emissions Responsibility

Paris Deputy Mayor Audrey Pulvar pushed back against US critics mocking Europe's low air conditioner adoption during a heatwave. She highlighted that the US, as the world's second-largest greenhouse gas emitter, has a 90% AC installation rate that contributes to the climate crisis. Pulvar defended Paris' 25-year record on reducing air pollution, urban greening, building energy efficiency, and transit upgrades. Pulvar argued that air conditioners worsen the climate crisis through high energy use and hazardous emissions. She stressed Paris is developing alternative cooling solutions and using AC only where most appropriate. The exchange underscores tensions between high-emission nations and those pursuing ecological transition, with Pulvar urging US journalists and influencers to focus on their own emissions responsibility first.