Paris Deputy Mayor Blames U.S. Emissions for Heat Wave

Paris Deputy Mayor Audrey Pulvar released a statement on Instagram Friday attributing a deadly heat wave in France to U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Pulvar wrote that the United States, as the second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, bears significant responsibility for global warming and its consequences in France.

She noted that American cities are approximately 90 percent air-conditioned and argued that this contributes to the problem. "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," Pulvar stated.

Pulvar, elected in March, described Paris measures to reduce air pollution and improve building energy efficiency.

She said air conditioning aggravates global warming and called for U.S. cities to undertake similar transitions. "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," she wrote.

Temperatures in Paris exceeded 104 degrees Fahrenheit during the week, according to AP reporting. At least 48 people in France drowned while attempting to cool off outside designated swimming areas. French authorities responded by imposing alcohol restrictions in public spaces, limiting large gatherings, and deploying thousands of emergency workers.

Hours at the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre were reduced to protect visitors.