I discussed the hot weather in Europe two years ago on the internet and the vast majority of those posting ignore the fact that Australia (the example you gave, Pinklefish) and the USA are streaks ahead in providing air conditioning in homes, workplaces and public transport. Almost all of the thousands of people who died in Europe in 2004 were those who were too old or poor to live in a/c homes or to be on holiday outside the cities. I'd estimate that 95% of homes here do not have a/c. My workplace was only built in 1993 (and cost £26 million!) and none of it has a/c. London's Evening Standard has an article this evening about the high temperatures on the tube and in the buses. I'm a rabid Routemaster lover and, riding the hateful new 38 cattle wagon, I long for the airy days of summer in previous years. (I typed this last night and saved it until my registration became active. Since then, some commenters have made similar points, but it's an important consideration - that we are not equipped to cope with what is still 'unexpected' - that I thought I'd still post my reply).