Category: Politics

❓ WHAT HAPPENED: The far-left Deputy Mayor of Paris has blamed the United States for the heatwave affecting France and Europe more broadly.

💬 KEY QUOTE: “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.” – Audrey Pulvar, Paris Deputy Mayor.

📰 DETAIL: Paris Deputy Mayor Audrey Pulvar has publicly blamed the United States for contributing to the deadly heatwave affecting France and wider Europe. Pulvar claimed that the United States bears a “significant amount of responsibility” due to its CO2 emissions. Notably, the U.S. is responsible for approximately 13 percent of world’s CO2 emissions. By contrast, Communist-run China is responsible for 32 percent, and Europe’s carbon emissions increased by 0.5 percent last year, almost as much as China’s 0.7 percent increase over the same period. Pulvar’s comments come as the European continent faced record high temperatures last week, which, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), has resulted in over 1,000 excess deaths, as well as reduced hours at major landmarks and attractions in Paris, the capital of France, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, in order to protect tourists. In addition, local authorities across Europe have imposed restrictions on public gatherings and alcohol consumption. Europe has struggled to grapple with the heatwave due to the lack of air conditioning (AC). Only around 20 percent of European households have AC, according to the International Energy Agency. By contrast, around 90 percent of U.S. households have AC. In response to Americans pointing this out online, Pulvar posted on Instagram: “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!”

📺 FLASHBACK: Europe’s lack of AC is not the only thing that has been brought to the fore by the heatwave. Earlier this month, it was reported that the British government has paid Europe 15 times the normal rate for emergency electricity imports as energy demand surged past domestic supply due to the heatwave. All the while, the Labour government continues to block new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea. President Donald J. Trump has continuously warned the British government, especially outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, of the risks posed by the country’s current energy policies.