Air conditioning for all? France divided over response to record-breaking heatwave

France is grappling with a record-breaking heatwave, leading to heated debates about whether to install widespread air conditioning. Parisians are resorting to unusual measures, like swimming in the Canal Saint Martin, as temperatures soar. This crisis highlights the urgent need for better climate adaptation, especially in older buildings, and raises questions about the affordability and feasibility of widespread air conditioning for all. The debate underscores the broader implications for public health and urban planning in the face of climate change.