Suppose you are at work or at school on a sweltering day. You’ve probably experienced it. Have fun sweating it out with everyone around you. If there was an air conditioner, you’d probably want to set it to “nice and cool.” In Italy this is no longer possible everywhere from Sunday.
1. What is changing in Italy?
As mentioned, air conditioners are temperature controlled. From Sunday, the air conditioning cannot be set below 25 degrees in the summer. In winter, a maximum temperature of 19 degrees applies to thermostats.
A little consolation for those who have booked a summer holiday in Italy and are afraid to sweat their hotel room: at the moment the rules only apply to schools and government buildings. If they do not follow the rules, they can be fined between 500 and 3000 euros.
It is not yet clear how the rule will be enforced. The labor inspectorate is expected to carry out the checks. The exception applies in any case until 31 March next year.
2. Why is Italy going to do this?
The main factor: the war in Ukraine. And above all dependence on Russian energy. Many European countries want to reduce this dependence. Also Italy. Italy only.
Because Italians are very dependent on Russian energy. Just look at this table:
40% of the gas used in Italy comes from Russia. By way of comparison: with us that is “only” 15%. “Dependence on Russia has more than doubled in the past 30 years,” reporter Anouk Boone said. “This corresponds to an increase in consumption.”
“But that trend must now be reversed. In addition to the European greening mission, Italians are also aware that the war in Ukraine has radically changed ties with Russia.”
3. Will this measure really help?
It seems like. At least if you listen to the Italian Minister of Public Administration, Renato Brunetta. According to him, 57% of energy costs in government buildings come from temperature control. This acclimation measure thus appears to be able to significantly reduce dependence on Russia.
Boone also sees the measure as a step in the right direction. “But then of course agents don’t have to turn their backs on their desk in the summer and work at home with deafening air conditioners.” It is not yet clear whether Italy will try to prevent this with the rules.
What else does Italy do?
Air conditioning is certainly not the only thing Italy has done to reduce its reliance on Russia. For example, the country invests more than twice as much in wind and solar energy. The public company Terna, grid operator for energy transport, is also investing 10 billion euros over the next four years to renew the electricity grid.
Italy is also looking for other countries to import gas. For example, from North Africa to Algeria. Correspondent Boone reported that Italian energy company ENI has signed an agreement with Algeria for the supply of another 9 billion cubic meters of gas. This represents an increase of about 50% in imports from Algeria.
4. How do Italians react to the measure?
“It’s mostly the issues of the day,” Boone says. “People are definitely talking about it. Not only on the street, but also on social media such as Twitter. You see the usual chaos there, but you also see the memes.”
Boone said: “The tweet above shows that people despise the air conditioning measure. You can see Prime Minister Draghi staring at the air conditioner with a controlling look. Many Italians do not believe the measure will make a difference in the war,” Boone said.
Boone says that it is not immediately a problem for everyone and Italians are of course used to something in terms of heat. “We should also not forget that air conditioning is not a luxury everywhere, but will become difficult, especially in the south. But if you take advantage of 47 degrees, like last summer, 25 degrees inside can feel like a breath of fresh air. † clean Air.”
“In parts of Italy, winters can be cold. Then people put on extra layers and turn on the stove. However, an extra shot of espresso with alcohol can also help.”
5. Does the measure also have benefits for Italians?
Climate measurement is perhaps a good thing in healthcare. According to experts, a huge difference between outside and inside temperature is not good for a person. Healthnet.nl says that the air conditioning should not be set any colder than six degrees outside temperature. Because a huge difference can cause respiratory problems and colds.
Source: RTL
Smith Charles is a talented entertainment journalist and author at The Nation View. He has a passion for all things entertainment and writes about the latest movies, TV shows, music, and celebrity news. He’s known for his in-depth interviews with actors, musicians, and other industry figures, and his ability to provide unique perspectives on the entertainment industry.
