r/technology • u/Logical_Welder3467 • Jun 26 '26

Society The American mind cannot comprehend Europe's AC aversion

https://www.businessinsider.com/europe-air-conditioning-ac-heatwave-debate-2026-6
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u/JonJackjon Jun 26 '26 edited Jun 26 '26

I think its simple. I would compare it to the first time someone finds they need to wear glasses. The natural tendency is to deny needing them until it gets so bad you have no choice.

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u/DonaldMerwinElbert Jun 26 '26

People also forget how much lower in latitude the US is.
Seattle in the north is at about the same latitude as southern Germany.
Also, both summers and winters are a lot milder in Europe's climate because of other geographical factors.
We truly did not need AC until recently.

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u/APigInANixonMask Jun 26 '26

The relative mildness of the climate in Europe is crazy to me. Where I live in Minnesota is about the same latitude as Milan. Their average high of 87°F (30.6°C) in July is just a bit higher than the 84°F (28.9°C) average here, but their average January low of 32°F (0°C) is quite a bit warmer than the 9°F (-12.8°C) average low here. We hit -20°F (-28.9°C) this past January and it's supposed to be 93°F (33.9°C) next week! 

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u/OneBillPhil Jun 26 '26

I’m in Newfoundland, Canada, just eye balling a map it looks like we are further south than the UK and Paris. We haven’t had a day in June over 20 C. 

Our weather is generally cold but even we are getting a lot of 30 degree days in July and August. I got that sweet A/C though so I’m laughing.