The ongoing heatwaves are exacerbating urban heat islands and increasing reliance on air conditioning, which contributes to carbon emissions. Vulnerable populations, particularly in Europe where only 20% of households have air conditioning, face heightened risks of heat-related illnesses and fatalities. District cooling systems could mitigate these risks by providing efficient, large-scale cooling solutions. However, the high upfront costs and the need for dense urban infrastructure limit their immediate applicability in many regions.