Air conditioning is a lifesaver, preventing more than 5,000 heat‑related deaths annually in the United States, according to a new study published in Nature Health. The research, led by epidemiology professor Kai Chen of Yale School of Public Health, found that AC saved nearly 58,000 lives between 2010 and 2020.
Balancing Health Benefits and Climate Impact
While the health benefits are clear, the study warns that the surge in cooling demand is heating the planet. Most electricity for AC still comes from fossil‑fuel power plants, and the United Nations projects emissions from cooling to rise from 4.5 billion to 7.2 billion tons of carbon dioxide over the next 25 years—almost matching the current output of the United States and Europe combined.
“Everyone knows air conditioning works, but from a climate‑change perspective it is not ideal,” Chen said. “It leads to more carbon emissions and accelerates warming.”
Global Demand and Policy Responses
Heat waves are becoming a near‑global phenomenon, and the International Energy Agency expects worldwide electricity demand for cooling to triple. In response, eight countries—including Bangladesh, Malaysia, and the Philippines—have imposed limits on how cool office AC units can be, and India proposed similar caps in 2025.
Experts from 75 nations and 250 cities are gathering for the Global Cooling Pledge in Singapore this September, seeking ways to provide essential cooling without worsening climate change.
Regional Variations in Lives Saved
Chen’s team examined 30 million U.S. death records, identifying the states where AC saved the most lives: Arizona, Florida, Texas, Louisiana, and parts of Nevada, Alabama and Mississippi. In contrast, many northern states recorded fewer than ten lives saved per year.
The study estimates an average of 5,267 lives saved annually, but notes that overuse—such as cooling offices to the point where workers wear sweaters in summer—does not increase the health benefit and only adds to emissions.
Equitable and Smarter Cooling Solutions
UNEP’s Lily Riahi emphasized the need for “smarter and more equitable cooling.” She highlighted Singapore’s approach, which combines efficient building standards, urban greenery, and early‑warning systems, saving an estimated $35 million in energy costs each year.
Riahi warned that many families worldwide must choose between medication and running an air conditioner during extreme heat, underscoring that thermal comfort should not be a luxury.
Until temperatures become unmanageable, the researchers recommend using fans and setting AC to moderate temperatures—around 75 °F (24 °C)—to balance health protection with climate stewardship.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
