Hidden Cost of Comfort:

The AC Dilemma

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As temperatures soar and climate records continue to shatter year after year, millions around the world turn to a familiar solution for relief: air conditioning.

But while these machines offer a much-needed escape from the sweltering heat, they come with a hefty price - not just on utility bills, but on the environment and public health. From apartment buildings in Mumbai to office towers in New York, the hum of air conditioners has become a defining feature of modern life. Globally, demand for air conditioning is skyrocketing. According to the International Energy Agency, the number of AC units in use is expected to triple by 2050.

A Vicious Cycle of Warming

One of the most significant drawbacks of air conditioning is its contribution to climate change. The majority of air conditioning units run on electricity generated by burning fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas. As a result, every blast of cold air indirectly releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

This creates a dangerous feedback loop. As global temperatures rise, more people rely on air conditioning. That, in turn, leads to greater energy consumption and higher carbon emissions, which further fuel climate change. In hot months, electricity demand can spike dramatically due to AC usage, straining power grids and increasing the risk of blackouts.