A heated debate has emerged on Chinese social media
regarding the use of air conditioners in classrooms as the country grapples
with an unusual heatwave. With temperatures exceeding 35°C in many cities,
parents in some of China’s hottest regions are urging schools to install air
conditioning.
The discussion gained traction in Changsha, where the
local education department’s decision not to install air conditioners sparked
controversy. The department argued that enduring the heat would "cultivate
the spirit of hard work and endurance" in students, a comment that drew
widespread criticism online.
Many parents and users on platforms like Weibo expressed
frustration, questioning the logic of forcing children to study in extreme
heat. ‘Can the education bureau work in 40-degree heat before deciding this is
the way to cultivate such spirit?’ wrote one user. Others highlighted the
growing impact of global warming, urging authorities to prioritize students' health
and comfort.
While most classrooms in China are equipped with ceiling
fans rather than air conditioners, the rising temperatures have intensified
calls for change. However, concerns over costs and potential health risks, such
as the increased likelihood of colds in air-conditioned rooms, have complicated
the discussion.
In some cities, like Xiangtan, schools have asked parents
to contribute to air conditioning costs, but local authorities later ordered
the reimbursements. Online opinions remain divided, with many arguing that
student comfort should be prioritized amid worsening heatwaves. Some schools
are using creative solutions, such as placing ice blocks in classrooms, while
others have delayed the start of the school year due to the extreme weather.
The issue of air conditioning in schools remains
unresolved as China continues to experience longer, hotter heatwaves, with no
easy solution in sight.
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