Why doesn’t Switzerland have more air conditioners?

Installing air conditioning in Switzerland is often subject to rules set at the cantonal level. Geneva is the strictest canton. To qualify, a home owner must prove they have a legitimate need, for example, by producing a medical certificate, and install systems that capture some of the heat emissions and condensation produced.

Other cantons require air conditioners to be powered by solar panels. This increases the upfront cost for anyone without solar panels, putting them out of reach of many home owners.

Here is the full story, via Nicholas.  And, via Steve Rossi, here is a Guardian article with the header “Neighbours turn on each other in Portofino air-con crackdown. Some residents of wealthy Italian village reportedly passing on photos to police who are hunting illegal units.”