Paris deputy mayor blames US for deadly heatwave in France Washington accused of climate responsibility

Paris Deputy Mayor Audrey Pulvar has accused the United States of bearing significant responsibility for the deadly heatwave that struck France last week, according to Fox News.

In a lengthy statement posted on Instagram several days ago, Pulvar responded to criticism and mockery from some American journalists and social media influencers regarding the limited use of air conditioning in Paris.

“Dear American journalists and social media ‘influencers': for days, some of you have been criticizing and making fun of Paris because the city doesn’t have AC in every room of every apartment and places. OMG, this is so rich!” she wrote.

Pulvar added: “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.”

The deputy mayor, who was elected to her post in March, said the French capital is implementing measures to combat air pollution and expanding energy-efficient building renovation projects. She also argued that air conditioning contributes to worsening the problem of global warming.

“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.

Paris experienced record-breaking temperatures this week, with readings reportedly exceeding 40°C. At least 48 people drowned across France while attempting to cool off in areas not designated for swimming.

In response to the extreme heat, French authorities imposed restrictions on the sale and consumption of alcohol in public places, limited large public gatherings, and deployed thousands of emergency personnel. Paris also reduced operating hours at several major tourist attractions, including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum, in an effort to protect visitors.

By Jeyhun Aghazada