Unatoč rekordnim temperaturama, Europljani još uvijek ne žele klima uređaje, a ne samo zbog cijene

Scientists warn that heatwaves will become increasingly frequent and intense due to climate change, with summer temperatures arriving two weeks earlier than they did in the middle of the last century. This revelation came after discussions held during the 22nd regular session of the Climate Council, which serves as an independent scientific advisory body to the government on climate policy. The council emphasized that these changes are already evident through the shifting of seasonal patterns, with summer temperatures now occurring two weeks earlier and lasting two weeks longer into autumn. In mid-July, temperatures in Slovenia have reached as high as 43 degrees Celsius according to ensemble weather forecasts. The council members discussed the frequency of heatwaves and the dangers posed by increasingly common extreme weather events. They warned that due to climate change, heatwaves would become more frequent and severe, leading to serious consequences for health, economy, and nature. These include tens of thousands of additional deaths annually in Europe, hospitals struggling with higher patient numbers and poorly cooled spaces, damage to critical transport infrastructure such as asphalt and bent railway tracks, increased electricity prices due to poor hydrological conditions, lower productivity among workers especially those working outdoors, extensive crop losses in agriculture, local water shortages, blooms of toxic algae, and forest fires. President of the Climate Council, Žiga Zaplotnik, highlighted how climate change is already reflected in the shift of seasons, noting that summer temperatures arrive two weeks earlier than in the middle of the previous century and persist two weeks longer into autumn. He pointed out that current weather conditions in mid-July in Slovenia can already reach up to 43 degrees Celsius, as seen in the set of possible solutions from ensemble weather forecasts. During the meeting, the council members also considered strategic directions for the Slovenian electricity system and prepared expert opinions on reports regarding mitigation of climate change and adaptation to it. Within the discussion on mitigation of climate change, they highlighted the need for comprehensive consideration of the schedule for coal phase-out, alignment of strategic documents, and modernization of the district heating system in the Šaleška Valley by 2030 in accordance with the Law on Development Restructuring of the Savinja-Šaleška Coal Mining Region. Additionally, the council members critically discussed the possibility of strategically preserving the Šoštanj Thermal Power Plant as a cold reserve. They were informed about the state of development of new models of the electricity system, which must enable evaluation of different scenarios for the development of the Slovenian energy system in terms of cost-effectiveness, reliability of supply, and achievement of climate goals. They decided to invite experts preparing analytical models to their next meeting to present technical and systemic foundations for the new national energy and climate plan (NEPN). In the area of adapting to climate change, the council members planned future reviews of sectoral assessments of climate risks and preparation of an expert position on the upcoming report on adaptation to climate change, which the Directorate for Environment, Nature and Climate prepares every two years in accordance with the Climate Act. A separate report from the Agency for Environment (ARSO) indicated that extremely dry conditions have been recorded in five regions of Slovenia, Lower Sava, Dolenjska, White Carniola, Kočevska, and the Coast, with exceptionally dry conditions also noted in parts of Ljubljana, Notranjska, and Goriška. Extremely dry conditions are also being recorded in areas such as Koroška, Lower Savinja, Pomurje, Bovška, Upper Savinja Valley, and parts of central Slovenia, where conditions are deteriorating rapidly. Moderate drought conditions are observed in Gorenjska and Savinjska. ARSO expects further deterioration of surface soil moisture and increasing water balance deficits across Slovenia in the coming days. Despite the record-breaking temperatures in Europe, many Europeans still do not want climate control systems, with reasons beyond just cost. France, for example, remains one of the European countries where the use of climate control systems is less widespread compared to other parts of the world. Only 24% of French households have air conditioning, while approximately half of Italian households do. The issue is particularly pronounced in public institutions, where only around seven percent of French schools have cooling systems. During the recent heatwave, over 2,000 additional deaths were attributed to the extreme temperatures, prompting discussions on whether the country should change its traditional approach to cooling spaces. Resistance to climate control systems in France is largely cultural, with long-standing perceptions of them as unnecessary, noisy, aesthetically unappealing, and associated primarily with the United States. Many believe that prolonged exposure to air-conditioned environments could cause health issues. Instead, reliance has been placed on thick stone walls, half-timbered houses, shading, and keeping windows closed during the day. Significant barriers to the widespread adoption of climate control systems also include bureaucratic restrictions, as in historic buildings in Paris and other cities, external units are often not permitted due to regulations protecting the appearance of facades and roofs. Climate control has also become a political topic ahead of the 2027 presidential elections in France, with the right advocating for the mass installation of climate control systems in public institutions, while the left argues that such systems would not solve the causes of climate change but only their effects. However, the French government supports measures to adapt to heat and believes that climate control in public institutions is becoming increasingly necessary. Approximately 68% of EU citizens do not have a climate control system or a fan at home, with reasons varying. Around 38% of Europeans say they cannot afford climate control systems, while nearly a third of Slovenians find it difficult to afford adequate cooling at home, and more than half feel their homes are too hot during the summer. The European Commission acknowledges that climate control systems are an essential part of adapting to increasingly frequent heatwaves, but emphasizes that they alone cannot solve the underlying problems. As a result, they are preparing a new strategy for adapting to climate change that will emphasize a holistic approach. Rather than promoting the mass installation of climate control systems, the focus will be on encouraging the construction of better-insulated buildings, increasing shading, planting trees, expanding green spaces, incorporating water elements, and more thoughtful urban planning. Climate control systems will remain an important part of the solution where they are urgently needed, particularly in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and other spaces where heat poses a risk to health. Meanwhile, consumer interest in effective and efficient cooling solutions continues to grow. Modern air conditioners, such as the Xiaomi Mijia Air Conditioner Pro Eco 3.5 kW, offer powerful yet energy-efficient cooling capabilities combined with smart features. Designed for users who expect more from modern household appliances than just cool air, this unit aims to create a comfortable and balanced living environment even during the hottest periods. Its powerful performance allows for rapid cooling of medium-sized and larger rooms, reducing waiting time and enhancing comfort. Smart management features allow remote control via the Xiaomi Home app, enabling users to adjust settings based on daily routines and preferences. Energy-saving technologies ensure efficient operation without compromising comfort, making it suitable for those concerned about rising electricity costs. Quiet operation ensures undisturbed sleep, addressing one of the key concerns related to heat affecting rest quality.