We just published a new study on Environmental Science & Policy on adaptation options to a warming climate and which focuses for the first time on 5 European countries.

This study – based on the OECD-EPIC database survey – is the first collective effort of all our research team based in Venice. It is open access for the next 50 days, and you can ask for the database by writing us an email.

It confirms that air conditioning is expected to be a major adaptation option for households, even in the countries where the penetration of AC is traditionally low.

The trend of AC adoption is obviously shaped by the occurrence of more frequent hot days in OECD countries, but our analysis shows for the first time that, more than income, fast growing urbanization is a key factor too.

Also demographics, household characteristics, and wealth play a major role in this growing trend. To avoid the risk of locking-in, the design of well communicated climate policies will be essential to reduce reliance on air conditioning.

Further details

• Read more on our Press Release in English or in Italian
• Read the article online or download the pdf
• Request the dataset