Tag

Air Conditioning

All articles tagged with #air conditioning

Most People Can't Power an Hour of Air Conditioning
energy11 days ago

Most People Can't Power an Hour of Air Conditioning

Billions in energy-poor countries cannot power even a single hour of air conditioning, leaving extreme heat a daily health and productivity burden. In many places, the average per-person daily electricity is far below what an hour of AC needs (India ~44 minutes, Nigeria ~13 minutes, South Sudan ~4.4), and AC ownership remains very low (roughly 5–16% in several large economies). Even affordable cooling like electric fans is out of reach for many. Solving this requires more affordable, cleaner electricity and more efficient cooling, even as AC accounts for about 3% of greenhouse gas emissions and demand could triple by 2050.

Europe Confronts Air-Conditioning Debate Amid Rising Heat Waves
world6 months ago

Europe Confronts Air-Conditioning Debate Amid Rising Heat Waves

As Europe faces increasingly frequent and severe heatwaves, air conditioning use is rapidly rising, transforming from a luxury to a necessity, which strains power grids and raises environmental concerns. Countries are adapting infrastructure and policies to manage the surge in cooling demand while balancing sustainability and energy security.

Europe's Heat Waves Spark Air-Conditioning Disputes in France
world6 months ago

Europe's Heat Waves Spark Air-Conditioning Disputes in France

As Europe faces increasingly severe heatwaves, France is embroiled in a political debate over the use of air-conditioning, with opinions divided along ideological lines. While some see it as necessary for vulnerable populations, others criticize it for environmental reasons, reflecting broader tensions about climate adaptation and energy use amid rising temperatures across the continent.

Can Air Conditioning Cause Illness? A Microbiologist's Perspective
health6 months ago

Can Air Conditioning Cause Illness? A Microbiologist's Perspective

Improperly maintained air conditioning systems can harbor bacteria, fungi, and viruses, leading to health issues like sick building syndrome, Legionnaires' disease, and fungal or viral infections. Regular cleaning and proper maintenance of AC units are essential to reduce these risks and prevent the spread of airborne infections, including COVID.

Europe's Rising Heatwaves and the Growing Air Conditioning Demand Challenge
world6 months ago

Europe's Rising Heatwaves and the Growing Air Conditioning Demand Challenge

The article discusses how Europe's low adoption of air conditioning, due to infrastructure and regulatory challenges, makes it vulnerable to heatwaves that threaten economic productivity and growth, contrasting with the US where widespread AC use supports resilience and efficiency. To adapt, Europe needs smarter infrastructure investments and advanced planning to handle increasing heat and prevent economic setbacks.

Europe's Rising Heatwave Sparks Debate Over Air Conditioning Use
world8 months ago

Europe's Rising Heatwave Sparks Debate Over Air Conditioning Use

Europe, especially France, is experiencing an unprecedented heatwave with temperatures soaring past 100°F, leading to a reconsideration of air conditioning use due to environmental concerns. While some are resorting to temporary solutions like fans and ice, the continent faces the challenge of upgrading infrastructure and adopting sustainable cooling methods to cope with rising temperatures caused by climate change.

France debates air conditioning use amid intensifying heatwave
news8 months ago

France debates air conditioning use amid intensifying heatwave

French officials oppose Marine Le Pen's proposal for widespread air conditioning, citing environmental concerns and the fact that AC can worsen heat waves by releasing heat into the streets. While household AC use is increasing, authorities prefer non-emission solutions like planting trees. Recent record-breaking temperatures highlight the urgency of addressing heat waves.