As Europe’s record-breaking heat wave intensifies, with excess deaths in France surpassing 1,300 since June 21, Paris Deputy Mayor for International Relations Audrey Pulvar has accused the United States of bearing significant responsibility for the crisis through its greenhouse gas emissions and air conditioning practices.
Pulvar lashed out at American tourists and social media influencers who mocked Paris for its lack of widespread air conditioning as temperatures soared past 104 degrees Fahrenheit. In an Instagram post, she wrote: “Dear American journalists and social media ‘influencers’: for days, some of you have been criticising and making fun of Paris because the city does not have A/C in every room. … OMG, this is so rich!”
She argued that the U.S., which she claims is the world’s second-largest greenhouse gas emitter, bears “a significant amount of responsibility” for the warming driving the crisis. Pulvar noted American cities are roughly 90% air-conditioned and urged Americans to take action: “So please, enough with the lecture. Just start doing your part.”
According to Sante Publique France, France has recorded at least 1,300 excess deaths during the heat wave, with officials warning the count could rise further.
