Paris Deputy Mayor Audrey Pulvar is drawing attention after blaming the United States for contributing to the deadly heat wave that has gripped France, arguing that American greenhouse gas emissions and widespread air conditioning have played a significant role in global warming, as reported [1] by Fox News.
Pulvar released a lengthy statement on Instagram on Friday in response to criticism from American journalists and social media users over the lack of air conditioning in many buildings throughout Paris as temperatures climbed to record levels.
The Deputy Mayor of Paris, Audrey Pulvar, says the U.S. bears “a significant amount of responsibility for global warming” and the recent heatwave in France
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“Dear American journalists and social media ‘influencers’: for days, some of you have been criticizing and making fun of Paris because the city does not have A/C in every room. OMG, this is so rich!” Pulvar wrote.
She continued by placing responsibility on the United States for its role in global emissions.
“As the second-largest emitter of greenhouse gas emissions in the world, you bear a significant amount of responsibility for global warming and the consequences we, in France, are experiencing. Your cities ‘90% air-conditioned’ are not unrelated to this. In Paris, we take responsibility.”
Pulvar, who was elected deputy mayor in March, said Paris has implemented measures designed to reduce air pollution and promote energy-efficient renovations across the city.
She argued that air conditioning contributes to global warming rather than solving the underlying problem.
“If every American city made the same ecological transition efforts as Paris and many European cities, believe me, the whole world would be better off. So please, enough with the lecture. Just start doing your part. Best regards,” she concluded.
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Pulvar later added another statement defending climate policies implemented by the city’s left-wing leadership.
“If we hadn’t done so, the situation today would be much worse. Yes, there is still much to be done. No, the situation is not ideal. But perhaps it would be more appropriate for one of the countries most responsible for the problem not to lecture those who are trying to find solutions for their own populations,” Pulvar wrote.
Fox News Digital reported that it contacted both Pulvar and the Paris mayor’s office seeking comment.
The remarks came as France experienced an intense heat wave that pushed temperatures above 104 degrees Fahrenheit in Paris, according to the Associated Press.
The extreme weather has prompted emergency measures across the country.
French authorities have imposed alcohol restrictions in public spaces and limited large public gatherings while deploying thousands of emergency workers to respond to heat-related incidents.
The heat wave has also been linked to dozens of deaths. According to the Associated Press, at least 48 people in France drowned while attempting to cool off outside designated swimming areas.
Officials have also taken steps to reduce tourist exposure to the extreme temperatures. Paris shortened operating hours at several of the country’s most visited landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.
The debate over air conditioning and climate policy has intensified as Europe continues to experience recurring periods of extreme summer heat.
The issue has also fueled broader discussions over emissions, infrastructure, and how countries should respond to rising temperatures.
Pulvar’s comments specifically addressed criticism from Americans regarding the comparatively limited use of air conditioning in Paris.
She argued that the city’s environmental policies reflect an effort to reduce emissions, while contending that greater reliance on air conditioning contributes to the broader problem of global warming.
The exchange comes as French officials continue responding to the ongoing heat emergency with restrictions aimed at protecting residents and visitors during one of the hottest periods recorded this year.