Paris deputy mayor blames US emissions for deadly heat wave: 'You are partly responsible'

PARIS, FRANCE: Paris Deputy Mayor Audrey Pulvar released a lengthy statement blaming the United States for the deadly heat wave that swept France this past week, as the country recorded temperatures above 104 degrees Fahrenheit and at least 48 drowning deaths linked to people trying to cool off.

France has restricted public gatherings and reduced public hours of popular landmarks to protect tourists from intense heat.

Deputy mayor says US 'bears responsibility' for emissions

After US tourists mocked France over the lack of air conditioning across the country amid 104-degree temperatures, Audrey Pulvar, deputy mayor of Paris for international relations, claimed the situation was partly America’s fault.

Pulvar, who was elected to her position in March, argued that America's reliance on air conditioning has contributed directly to the climate conditions driving the heat wave.

"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," she wrote.

"Your cities '90% air-conditioned' are not unrelated to this. In Paris, we take responsibility."

She 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 hadn’t 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.

Heat wave brings record temperatures, restrictions across France

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 imposed alcohol restrictions in public spaces and restricted large public gatherings as the nation deployed thousands of emergency workers.

The city also reduced visiting hours at major landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, to help protect tourists from the extreme heat.