Air Conditioners: Salvation or Threat? Exploring Alternatives in the Texas Heat
In recent years, the planet has faced unprecedented temperature records. The scorching summer of 2023 was particularly memorable: Phoenix, Arizona, endured a streak of days exceeding 110°F (43.3°C), while Death Valley, California, recorded its historical maximum. In Iran, on the Persian Gulf coast, the heat index reached a staggering 152°F (66.7°C), and Beijing experienced relentless heat with temperatures surpassing 95°F (35°C).
These suffocating heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense due to the climate crisis, and forecasts indicate a worsening trend unless the transition away from fossil fuels accelerates.
As people seek refuge from the unbearable heat, air conditioners are in higher demand than ever. According to the International Energy Agency, the number of air conditioners worldwide could increase by 244% by 2050, and in the U.S., demand may rise by 59%, as analyzed by Climate Central in 2020.
While air conditioners can be life-saving—considering that extreme heat is the deadliest form of extreme weather in the U.S.—their widespread use also comes with significant drawbacks....
