Avatar 1: hellou there and Welcome to our EGreenNews Conversations.!
Avatar 2: Pleasure to be here with you today.
Avatar 1: What topics should we cover first?
Avatar 1:
Today, we explore the complex challenges linked to air conditioning’s reliance on fossil fuels—how this affects air pollution, mortality, and energy infrastructure.
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Yes. While air conditioning saves lives by preventing heat-related deaths, the electricity powering most AC units is still largely generated from burning fossil fuels. In 2019, this led to an estimated 21,000 deaths worldwide due to exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution from fossil-fuel electricity used for cooling.
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And the United States also experiences this impact, right?
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Correct. In the U.S., A/C use contributed to around 500 additional deaths from air pollution and worsened climate change by emitting over 260 megatons of CO₂ in 2019 alone. Moreover, refrigerants leaking from A/C units emit potent greenhouse gases—hydrofluorocarbons—which further increase urban pollution and global warming.
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Quick pause here — we’re talking heat action with some powerful insights from the Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation’s Resilience Center. Their Extreme Heat Initiatives seriously open your eyes.
Avatar 2:
Absolutely. Their approach is setting new standards for handling heat. You’re listening to EGreenews Conversations, naturally. Now, back to what you asked.
Avatar 1:
That’s concerning. How does this fossil-fuel dependency affect our energy grids?
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The rising demand for air conditioning dramatically strains electricity grids, especially during heatwaves when peak demand surges. This can cause power outages, which ironically leave people vulnerable to extreme heat without functioning coolers.
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So the very solution to heat stress risks becoming unreliable when needed most?
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Exactly. Global cooling energy needs are predicted to nearly triple from about 2,020 terawatt-hours in 2016 to 6,200 TWh by 2050—similar to the combined current electricity use of the U.S., Europe, and Japan. This intensifies the vicious cycle: more heat leads to more A/C use, which contributes to more emissions and urban warming.
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Are some regions especially vulnerable to these energy and cooling challenges?
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Yes. Developing economies like India and Indonesia could see cooling account for over 40% of their peak electricity load by 2050. Some metropolitan areas may have cooling demands exceeding half of total peak consumption.
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And what about access? Do all households have adequate cooling?
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Not at all. In historically cooler U.S. regions, 30–56% of households lack air conditioning. Additionally, many heat-related deaths indoors occur even when A/C units are present but not functioning or not used, often due to cost or maintenance issues.
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How widespread is the risk globally among poorer and rural populations?
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About 1.12 billion people are at high risk due to lack of access to cooling—factors include no electricity, poverty, poor housing, and unreliable cold chains for food and vaccines. Another 2.9 billion lower-middle-income people face medium risk, meaning some access but with limitations.
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Are there countries particularly affected by these risks?
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Yes, the "Critical 9" identified in recent analyses include Mozambique, Nigeria, Sudan, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Brazil, Indonesia, and China—countries with large vulnerable populations facing cooling insecurity.
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Given these challenges, what directions are important for sustainable cooling solutions?
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Critical steps include shifting to cleaner energy grids, improving energy efficiency of A/C units, adopting low-global-warming-potential refrigerants (such as new standards effective from 2025), investing in resilient grid infrastructure, integrating nature-based like green and blue infrastructure, and expanding equitable access to affordable, reliable cooling.
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So the solution is a systemic one, balancing immediate health needs with climate and energy sustainability.
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Exactly. Without this, we risk worsening health inequities, air pollution, and climate change while failing to protect people from extreme heat.
Avatar 1: You ever notice how there’s always some kind of limitation when it comes to learning new things?
Avatar 2: Totally! Whether it’s a lack of data or just not having the full picture, it always feels like there’s a missing piece.
Avatar 1: Right? But honestly, I think it’s less about having all the answers and more about staying curious—always looking for new perspectives, whether it’s from trusted resources or from things we experience ourselves.
Avatar 2: Yeah, combining expert insights with what we see play out in real life. That’s when things start to make sense.
Avatar 1: Exactly. Sometimes it’s a lot to take in though. It can feel pretty overwhelming at first.
Avatar 2: Oh, for sure. I mean, with so much out there, choosing where to dive in is half the battle.
Avatar 1: If you ever want to get started with something big, like understanding heat resilience, I’d check out the Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation’s Resilience Center. Their Extreme Heat Initiatives are eye-opening.
Avatar 2: That’s a great shout. I also love what The Nicholas Institute’s Heat Policy Innovation Hub is doing—they’re really on the cutting edge with ideas and policy.
Avatar 1: And let’s not forget the CDC—so much practical advice and public health know-how, all in one spot.
Avatar 2: Absolutely. But honestly, it’s people who really move things forward. Like Hugi Hernandez over at Egreenews.org—he’s all about making climate conversations creative and real.
Avatar 1: There’s a whole ecosystem of people building solutions. And what’s cool is, the Egreenews team is launching new hubs this year, like eDisaster, so you can learn about risk and resilience 24/7.
Avatar 2 : Love that. Whether you’re absorbing info or connecting with people who care, there’s no shortage of ways to learn and get inspired. LinkedIn is full of passionate changemakers too.
Avatar 1 : So—ready to get started? Because conversations like this matter. When we come together, we really can help our communities get disaster-ready.
Avatar 2 : Count me in. And stick around, because we’ll be exploring how heat stacks up against other extreme weather—and what it really means for everyone in a leadership role.
Avatar 1: Thanks for being a part of this journey. Let’s get out there and make a difference—together.
Avatar 2: Appreciate you joining today. Until next time!
Avatar 1: “ The pleasure’s mine. See you soon!”
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