Deadly heatwave: France claims US holds major responsibility

A French politician has claimed the US bears ‘significant responsibility' for the deadly heatwave sweeping through Europe. The continent has experienced a severe heatwave during the last two weeks of June. The heatwave has caused more than 1,300 temperature-related deaths across Europe, and the deputy mayor of Paris for international relations has called out the US for its role in the global climate crisis.

Europe is being mocked on social media by Americans for its lack of air conditioning across the continent. Audrey Pulvar, deputy mayor of Paris for international relations, has hit back at the Americans for the countries participation in the climate crisis. Pulvar wrote a post on Instagram that pointed out the US's contribution to greenhouse gas emissions and its recent climate-denial political movements. Pulvar quoted that the US's need for air conditioning is entirely connected to the country's climate change.

According to Our World In Data, the United States creates more than 13 percent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions – the largest contributing factor to climate change. China is responsible for 31 per cent. All 26 European countries, a total population of nearly 750 million people, create just six per cent of the worlds C02 emissions. With more than double the population, Europe creates less than half of the C02 emissions that America does. A new report released on June 28 found that the US saw the largest increase in CO2 emissions out of any country.

In France, temperatures have exceeded 44 degrees Celsius in certain parts of the country. Other European countries are also recording all-time June records. Beyond the direct health impacts, the heat has disrupted rail networks, strained electrical systems, reduced power generation at some facilities, and increased wildfire risks across multiple countries. Officials throughout Europe continue to urge residents to remain indoors during peak afternoon temperatures and regularly check on elderly neighbours.

US pollution worsening

In the US, Donald Trump has championed the use of fossil fuels. From his infamous ‘drill baby drill' to bailing out coal manufacturers with taxpayer dollars, Trump is deep in the pockets of ‘big coal' and ‘ big oil'. The statistics show that he's succeeding. US coal consumption jumped 10 per cent last year, and global carbon emissions from the energy sector rose by 1.1 per cent, according to a report produced in partnership with Ember, Kearney Institute and KPMG. In contrast, Europe's carbon emissions from the energy sector increased by 0.5 per cent last year. Even China is doing better than the US, only increasing its emissions by 0.7 per cent in 2025.

According to climate experts, Europe's deadly heatwave would be ‘virtually impossible' without human intervention. Human-caused climate change has created this heatwave, and the country with a large portion of the responsibility is mocking the victims. According to a study by Imperial College London, climate change has increased the number of heat deaths by more than 1,500 across 12 European cities during 10 days of intense heat last year. In Europe, built-in air-conditioning is uncommon in apartment buildings and houses. While portable units are still popular, the energy cost for Europeans is often steep.

Europe on the fence about A/C

In Europe, opinions are split regarding the solution to the issue. Right-wing politicians are calling for a mass rollout of air-conditioning units. They want to increase production, and possibly create a system where the government can supply air-conditioning units to civilians without one. On the other side, left-leaning politicians are claiming that a mass rollout of air conditioners will only make things worse. Air conditioners command massive energy spending, and for countries trying to cut down on their emissions, A/C units cause a problem. French left-wing leader Jean Luc-Melenchon has come out strongly against the idea of mass air-conditioner rollouts.