BFMTV POLL. Heatwave: 7 out of 10 French people believe that using air conditioning is only a short-term solution.

France has just experienced the second hottest June on record, with an extreme heatwave gradually coming to an end this Wednesday, July 2. While some French people have rushed to use air conditioners to cope with the extreme heat, this remedy is not universally accepted, at least not in the long term.

According to a new Elabe poll for BFMTV published this Wednesday, air conditioning is only a short-term solution for more than 7 out of 10 French people. 71% of those surveyed believe that we should focus on other solutions to cool cities and combat climate change, which is responsible for an increase in the intensity and frequency of heat waves. This is a majority opinion among all population categories and electorates.

Conversely, 28% believe that the large-scale deployment of air conditioning is the main action to be implemented.

Air conditioning systems, symbols of "maladaptation" to climate change , are in fact scarce in France. Only 27% of those surveyed say they have air conditioning in their homes. This proportion is logically higher in the south, with 42% in the south-east quarter and 33% in the south-west quarter.

While the climate in the south of France is one factor, financial means are another. 26% of French people who don't have air conditioning would like to get one but don't do so due to a lack of funds. Sixty-five percent of those surveyed are simply not interested and have no intention of purchasing one for this or next summer.

Likewise, in the workplace, air conditioning is not the norm. Fewer than one in two French people (48%) say they have air conditioning in their workplace. This figure rises to 60% among managers and 56% among intermediate professionals. In contrast, only 36% of workers say they have it.

Overall, respondents believe that France is not yet ready to cope with heatwaves. 42% believe that France is not at all ready, while 48% acknowledge that some adaptation measures have been implemented, while believing that much more can be done. Only 9% believe that everything has been put in place to cope with heatwaves as best as possible.

To better adapt, 34% of French people believe that the State is best placed to act, followed closely by local authorities (29%) and residents themselves (27%).

After the deadly heatwave of 2003 , public authorities took up the issue and stepped up their prevention and communication efforts. Staying hydrated, staying cool, adapting your day and diet... 72% of French people believe it is useful to receive recommendations from the government. However, 27% feel this is patronizing.

The French actually change their behavior during heatwaves: 75% say they drink a lot more water, 54% adapt their day by postponing or canceling outings, such as sports (33%), appointments (33%) or work (12%), or 50% eat different things.

47% are also looking for freshness, by taking more showers (35%), going to air-conditioned places such as shopping centers (15%) or parks and swimming pools (13%).

The vast majority of French people are seeing their quality of life impacted by the heatwave. 85% believe their sleep is affected, 83% their daily life, 79% their ability to work, and 64% their mood.