Cooling is hot, particularly with India hitting summers. In fact, it is more so because cooling is a necessity and not a luxury. Remember, in a tropical country like India, heat stress can even lead to death for some. Realising and appreciating the importance, Air Conditioning Appreciation Days are celebrated from July 3 to August 15 every year.
The economic losses resulting from extreme weather events increased by 23% between 2010–14 and 2018–22 amounting to $264 billion in 2022 alone whereas heat exposure led to global potential income losses worth $264 billion, according to The 2023 report of the Lancet Countdown on health and climate change: the imperative for a health-centred response in a world facing irreversible harms. It adds that economic losses that are related to global heating affect livelihood, resilience and the availability of funds to deal with climate change; heat exposure effect on labour capacity is highest in the low and medium human development index countries, with “potential income losses equivalent to 6.1 % and 3.8% of their gross domestic product (GDP).
For others, it can affect the quality of life. The India Cooling Action Plan, the first of a kind, released by the Indian government, recognises that cooling impacts economic growth and is important for health, wellbeing and productivity. It states, “The cross sectoral nature of cooling and its use in important development sectors of economy makes provision for cooling an important developmental necessity, which can have bearing on the environment, the economy and the quality of life of the citizens of the country.”
This story is from the May 21, 2024 edition of Outlook.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 21, 2024 edition of Outlook.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Dera, Drugs And Despair
Punjab poll pitch is seeing interesting twists and turns this election season
Allure Of Hatefulness Beyond Hate Speech
Polarisation between the Hindus and the Muslims is an unappetising reality, an ugliness that will not go away even after the votes get counted
Shine Off Sonar Bangla
Since the ant displacement movements against the Left Front government in 2006-08, Bengal has seen increased corruption, communalisation of politics and the rise of welfarism
Carnatic Cauldron
For the BJP-led NDA, 400 paar will remain a dream if the South Indian states choose to look the other way
The Young & the Restless
A new crop of young Dalit leaders shine in Uttar Pradesh's political Armament
In The Name Of Ram
For the people of Hazaribagh, famous for its Ram Navamii, life is a tussle between peace, processions and politics
Shell Company?
The power play between the BJP and the BJD in Odisha appears to be an electoral gimmick. Post elections, they may have each other's back
Peak Season in the Pir Panjal
Politicians excel at stirring up emotions at election time, and Kashmiris are torn between responding with cries or slogans
Seeds of Betrayal
Forget about doubling their income, Haryana's farmers are living a life in penury
Capital Contest
Could an alliance of former foes prevent a hat-trick for the BJP in Delhi?