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Keeping cool saves thousands of lives yearly, but at a cost of worsening global warming, experts say
Researchers said cooling demand could triple, even as most electricity for air conditioning still comes from fossil fuels.
- A new Nature Health study reported Monday that air conditioning saved nearly 58,000 lives in the United States between 2010 and 2020. Yale School of Public Health epidemiology professor Kai Chen led the research, analyzing 30 million death records over an 11-year span.
- Climate change has caused cooling degree days in the United States to increase 28% since 1990, with 2026 on pace to beat 2024's record. Air conditioning use in Europe jumped 44%, while usage tripled in India and more than doubled in Southeast Asia.
- Despite these benefits, Chen noted "the essential role" of cooling accelerates climate change by increasing carbon emissions. The study found more than half of recorded air conditioning use could be considered overuse, straining electrical grids.
- Global energy shortages triggered by the war in Iran forced eight countries, including Singapore and the Philippines, to limit office cooling temperatures. Some nations mandated one day weekly for public offices to switch off air conditioning units entirely.
- United Nations projections indicate heat-trapping gas emissions from cooling will rise from 4.5 billion to 7.2 billion tons in the next 25 years. Experts from 75 countries and 250 cities are seeking methods to reduce heat-related deaths without worsening climate warming.
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Keeping cool saves thousands of lives yearly, but at a cost of worseni
FILE - Sonel Telemaque, left, wipes sweat from his brow while installing a new air conditioning unit alongside Brian Hermosillo during record-breaking heat, March 19, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Caitlin O'Hara, File)
·Baltimore, United States
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Associated Press News+15 Reposted by 15 other sources
Keeping cool saves thousands of lives yearly, but at a cost of worsening global warming, experts say
A new study highlights the life-saving role of air conditioning. However, scientists warn it also contributes to climate change.
·New York, United States
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Total News Sources17
Leaning Left6Leaning Right2Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution53% Center
Bias Distribution
- 53% of the sources are Center
53% Center
L 35%
C 53%
12%
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