local
European summers are getting brutally hot. So why is air conditioning so rare?
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· June 23, 2026
· 1 min read
By Laura Paddison, Mitchell McCluskey, CNN
(CNN) — Brutal heat waves are coming more frequently in Europe, leaving millions of people struggling to adapt to punishing, record-breaking temperatures.
There is little respite. Air conditioning is very rare in European homes. Many residents ride o...
Key takeaway Air conditioning is very rare in European homes.
Why this matters in The El Paso
In El Paso , where scorching summers are the norm, the rarity of air conditioning in European homes is a stark contrast to the ubiquitous presence of AC units in local residences. As El Pasoans take for granted the relief provided by air conditioning, it's worth considering how the city's architecture and urban planning have adapted to the desert climate. Many El Paso homes are designed with features such as thick adobe walls, small windows, and shaded patios to mitigate the heat, similar to those found in southern European countries. However, the city's newer developments often prioritize energy efficiency and incorporate modern cooling systems, reflecting a different approach to managing the heat. As El Paso continues to grow and urbanize, it will be interesting to see how the city balances its unique cultural and architectural heritage with the need for effective cooling solutions, particularly in the face of rising temperatures and energy costs.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 1 min
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What is this story about? By Laura Paddison, Mitchell McCluskey, CNN
(CNN) — Brutal heat waves are coming more frequently in Europe, leaving millions of people struggling to adapt to punishing, record-breaking temperatures.
There is little respite. Air conditioning is very rare in European homes. Many residents ride o...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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