Paris Deputy Mayor Audrey Pulvar released a lengthy statement blaming the United States for the deadly heat wave over France this past week.
“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!” she wrote on Instagram Friday.
She 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. In Paris, we take responsibility.”
Pulvar, who was elected to her position in March, went on to explain that Paris has implemented measures to fight air pollution and develop energy-efficient renovations for the city, arguing that air conditioning “contributes and aggravates 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.
In an additional statement on her post, Pulvar defended the left’s efforts in Paris to combat climate change.
“If we hadnt 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.
reached out to Pulvar and the Paris mayor’s office for comment.
Paris felt record-setting heat during the week with temperatures climbing above 104 degrees Fahrenheit, AP reported. At least 48 people in France have drowned while attempting to cool off outside designated swimming areas.
In response to the heat, French authorities have in public spaces and restricted large public gatherings as the nation deployed thousands of emergency workers.
Paris also reduced hours at many of the , including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre to protect tourists.
