Europe is experiencing a record heatwave that is transforming lifestyles across the continent.
As Europeans once looked skeptically at Asians using parasols in summer, many are now carrying them themselves. Additionally, portable air conditioners made in China are in short supply.
It has become common to see aluminum foil taped to windows to block sunlight, reflecting a shift in summer norms due to climate change.
According to reports from BBC and others on June 29, the recent heatwave in the UK has led to a noticeable increase in citizens using parasols on the streets. Photos from Bristol shared by the BBC show people using parasols to shield themselves from the intense sun.
Traditionally, Europeans have not been keen on using umbrellas even in the rain. Many have questioned the need for sun protection, often wondering if it was to maintain lighter skin, a perspective common in East Asian cultures like Korea, Japan, and China.
However, with temperatures soaring around 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius), parasols are no longer seen as unusual but rather as practical tools for coping with the heat.
Responses on domestic online communities and social media include comments like, "They used to find parasols fascinating, but now they’re using them," and, "Culture changes in the face of extreme heat."
The heatwave is also causing significant disruptions across society. The BBC reported that the UK experienced record high temperatures in June, leading to a surge in emergency room visits, the closure of hundreds of schools, and interruptions to rail services. Some supermarkets have halted the sale of fresh produce due to refrigeration failures, and court facilities have closed due to air conditioning issues.
Demand for cooling devices has skyrocketed. According to Reuters, sales of portable air conditioners from China have surged in Europe, leading to shortages of some products.
In Germany, online sales have increased by 37% compared to last year, while shipments in Spain and France have more than doubled. Samsung and LG have also reported significant increases in air conditioner sales in France, Italy, and Spain.
In older homes without air conditioning, residents are adopting alternative "heat survival methods." Many are using aluminum foil or heat-reflective film on windows to deflect direct sunlight and are keeping shutters and windows closed during the day to prevent indoor temperatures from rising. Some people are frequently seeking refuge in air-conditioned shopping malls or public facilities to escape the heat.
Europe is no longer a "continent without air conditioning." As climate change intensifies heatwaves, the adoption of parasols, cooling devices, and heat-reflective products—once common in Asian countries—is becoming a regular part of life in Europe.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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