Climate change has created more severe and prolonged heat waves European countries have begun to adopt air conditioning — especially as the heat takes an increasingly deadly toll. But historically Europe didn’t need AC, especially in the northern parts of the continent. Unfortunately, most of Europe still doesn’t have air conditioning, in contrast to other parts of the world. For example, nearly 90% of US homes have air conditioning; in Europe it’s around 20% (According to undefined).

French politician Jean-Pierre Farandou said the country of France “is in the process of finding out we’ve become a hot country” (according to the undefined). In large parts of Europe, there are weather warnings in place. With some of the hottest areas including the Basque area of Spain reaching a high temperature of 42 Celsius or 107.6 Fahrenheit (according to the undefined), the Spain weather agency also reported that the country’s daily average temperature was 28 Celsius or 82.4 Fahrenheit, the highest recorded for June. German newspaper Die Welt reports that authorities in some areas of Germany have asked people to use water sparingly and not to use barbecues. (According to the undefined).

The heatwave has also taken a toll on children, with one child in France saying that she has seen people swimming in the River Seine or in fountains. One boy said he is not allowed to go outside during break or lunch times at school due to the high temperatures. (According to the undefined)