123-Year-Old Air Conditioning System Highlights Enduring Importance of Cooling for Public Health

A 1903 air conditioning system at Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast used wet coconut fiber ropes to cool and filter air, as public health researchers and governments emphasize the growing need for active cooling during heatwaves.

• The Royal Victoria Hospital installed its air conditioning system in 1903, using water-wetted coconut fiber ropes to cool and filter air, achieving indoor temperatures of around 18°C.
• David Eisenman, a public health researcher, said cooling is the most important measure to reduce heat-related risks and often requires active cooling.
• Benoit Misset, an ICU doctor, said his study found patients without air conditioning during the 2003 European heatwave were 76% more likely to die.
• The French government allocated €100 million in June 2026 to purchase 30,000 air conditioning units for healthcare facilities.