It’s pretty incredible, especially given that the free education in France is actually rather decent.

A few AC is one thing.

Many AC in a limited space covered in concrete with almost zero tree in the area is another thing.

We need to be more specific about what we are talking about.

Anyway ACs are not enough in a city. ideally you also want streets with a significant amount of trees and greenery so that there is significant shade and heat from sunlight doesn't radiate too much from concrete/pavement.

Well, you can wait for greenery to be planted and grow around houses. It'll take 10-20 years. Or you can wait for your landlord to install the shutters (will never happen). Alternatively, you can get a portable inefficient AC and save yourself from 40 degree heat in a rooftop apartment. The mental toll of sweating 24/7 for months is just too big to theorize about the best way to combat global warming.

France is not under threat from this.

They're also missing the winter bit, where an AC heatpump needs three ou four times less energy than a resistive heater ... oh well.