As unseasonal heat continues to rage in China, a heated debate has erupted on social media over the use of air conditioners in classrooms. In some of China’s hottest cities, where temperatures have soared above 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit), parents are demanding that schools install air conditioning to provide a more comfortable learning environment for students. However, not everyone agrees, and the conversation has become a topic of a larger discussion about education, health and government responsibility.
Rising Temperatures and Increasing Demands
China has been experiencing intense heat waves in recent years, with temperatures consistently breaking records. Earlier this year, China’s Meteorological Bureau warned that these heat waves could become even more frequent and severe, and that maximum temperatures could potentially rise by up to 2.8 degrees Celsius (5 degrees Fahrenheit) over the next 30 years. Given this alarming trend, many parents believe that classrooms should have air conditioning to ensure children’s safety and comfort during extreme heat.
Lin Yujun, the father of a junior high school student in Guangdong, one of China’s hottest provinces, is one of many parents who think air conditioning is a must. “Without air conditioning, it would be challenging to concentrate on studies,” he told a local news outlet, reflecting the concerns of many who believe unbearable classroom temperatures are hampering students’ ability to focus and learn effectively.
Debate heats up in Changsha
The debate heated up in Changsha, a major city in southern China, when the local education department said it would not install air conditioners in schools. The department justified its decision by saying it wanted to “instill a sense of hard work and endurance” in students. The comment, considered outdated and irrelevant by many, sparked widespread outrage on social media platforms such as Weibo, where users argued that exposing children to extreme heat is neither productive nor healthy.
One Weibo user hit back at the education department’s comment: “Hard work and endurance? Can we ask the education bureau to work in 40-degree heat, then discuss whether this is the way to instill such a spirit in children?” Another user said, “Global warming has become so serious. What do you want children to do?”
This response reflects widespread discontent among the public, especially parents, who feel that their children’s well-being should be prioritized over abstract ideals such as “endurance.” They argue that with climate change becoming more extreme, measures such as installing air conditioners are becoming a necessity rather than a luxury.
Concerns over cost and health risks
While many parents support the idea of air conditioning in schools, not everyone agrees. Some are concerned about the cost implications. Schools argue that installing air conditioners would be an expensive endeavor, not only because of the initial cost of the units but also because of ongoing electricity bills. Some schools have proposed that parents contribute to the cost, which has caused further controversy.
For example, an elementary school in Xiangtan, another city in southern China, invited parents to donate money for air conditioners. The request sparked a fierce public response, leading the local education bureau to order the school to return the money to parents. Despite the controversy, some online commentators defended the school’s approach, arguing that students’ comfort and safety should be prioritized, even if it requires additional contributions from parents.
There are also concerns about potential health risks associated with air-conditioned classrooms. Some parents worry that children may be more prone to catching colds or other infections when constantly exposed to cold air. “Not all parents are in favor of installing air conditioners,” said one parent from Chongqing. “Maybe the education board can extend school holidays according to the weather.” Alternative Solutions: Delayed
Starts and Ice Buckets
Given the challenges associated with installing air conditioners, some schools have turned to creative alternatives to escape the heat. In some schools, large pieces of ice are placed in buckets around classrooms to help cool the environment. This low-tech solution, while temporary and less effective than air conditioning, shows the lengths schools are going to to make learning environments more tolerable.
Additionally, many schools in eastern Jiangxi province and southwestern Sichuan province decided to delay the start of the autumn semester. The new school session, which was originally scheduled to begin on September 2, was postponed by a week to avoid the peak of the heat wave. This decision has been generally well received, as it allows students to stay safe at home rather than endure the stifling heat in classrooms.
