French politician Audrey Pulvar says US "responsible" for Europe’s heatwave

Paris Deputy Mayor Audrey Pulvar has blamed the United States for contributing to Europe’s current deadly heatwave, citing American greenhouse gas emissions and widespread use of air conditioning.

In a strongly worded statement responding to American tourists and social media users mocking France’s limited air conditioning during the extreme heat, Pulvar said the US bears significant responsibility for global warming.

“As the second-largest emitter of greenhouse gas emissions in the world, you bear a significant amount of responsibility for global warming and the consequences we, in France, are experiencing,” she wrote. “Your cities, which are 90% air-conditioned, are not unrelated to this.”

Pulvar, a French politician and deputy mayor for international relations, urged Americans to “do your part” instead of lecturing Europe.

The remarks come as France and parts of Europe face a severe heatwave with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F), leading to excess deaths and public health alerts. France has historically resisted widespread air conditioning, with only around 25% of households equipped with cooling systems.