The 5th of July marked the hottest day ever recorded, as global average temperatures soared to 17.18°C, surpassing the previous record of 16.92°C set in August 2016 and the 17.01°C record set on the 3rd of July, 2023. Recently, the southern regions of the United States, certain parts of China, and North Africa have been grappling with severe heat and extreme weather conditions, all attributable to climate change triggered by human activities.
As these abnormal temperatures become increasingly common, we need to adapt. This global warming trend is causing widespread crop failures, spread of diseases, and mass migration. The extraction and usage of coal, oil, and gas — the main drivers of global warming — are not only harmful to people's health but also incompatible with a sustainable future.
THE ROLE OF AIR CONDITIONING IN A WARMING WORLD
To combat the escalating heat, many have resorted to air conditioning, using it constantly in both public spaces and private homes. A study published in Scientific Reports, led by an environmental economist from Ca' Foscari University in Venice, Italy, predicts that by 2050, air conditioner usage will produce between 7 and 17 million tons of CO2 emissions in Europe, and 38 to 160 million tons in India.
THE DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD OF AIR CONDITIONING
The same study estimates that with a projected temperature increase of 2 to 3°C by 2050, air conditioning prevalence could double in Europe and quadruple in India, reaching 40% of private homes in both regions. While air conditioning will reduce exposure to heatwaves for 40% of Europe's population and 35% of India's by 2050, it will also contribute to global warming, creating a vicious cycle that could potentially undermine climate change mitigation efforts.
In countries like Italy or Spain, opting for air conditioning as a climate change adaptation strategy will lead to increased energy consumption. This could trigger a rise in electricity prices and necessitate the construction of additional power plants.
In Italy alone, under a severe climate change scenario (known technically as RCP 8.5, where global average temperatures rise by 4-5°C by 2050), the annual peak electricity demand is projected to increase by 10 GW, a 16% rise from current levels.
The solution to this paradox lies in the use of highly energy-efficient air conditioners, particularly in countries like India where energy efficiency is a significant issue, and powering them with clean, renewable energy sources. This approach would allow us to mitigate heat without contributing further to the climate crisis.
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