Why is there a rise in the number of air conditioners being sold?
Summers are very hot, as we all know. People do everything they can to survive this time of the year. Air conditioners (ACs) are one of the best ways to beat the heat.
Demand for ACs is increasing in countries with rising temperatures, such as India, China, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Research says one billion air conditioners will be sold by the end of the decade.
More and more people can buy ACs for themselves and their families as their salaries rise. That's good for public health but bad for the environment.
What are some impacts of air conditioners on our planet?
ACs use a lot of electricity to run. If the electricity is generated using fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions will increase. ACs also use refrigerants that can cause global warming and climate change when released. Old ACs are thrown away when they are no longer in use. This generates electrical waste, which pollutes the environment.
ACs are made using materials such as plastics and metals. Continuous extraction of raw materials to make ACs can cause deforestation. It can also destroy habitats and natural resources, harming our planet.
What can be done to reduce these impacts?
It is important to use ACs that consume less electricity. So, the electricity generated from fossil fuels will be needed less. The use of renewable energy sources for ACs can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions caused by electricity generation.
Architects and builders should use designs that keep a building cool naturally. Planting more trees can help cool down the planet. This can also help reduce the use of ACs. AC manufacturers must also use refrigerants that do not cause global warming.
However, some of these ideas can increase the price of ACs. This may prevent some customers from purchasing them. Considering this, manufacturers must find solutions that will not raise prices while reducing emissions.
When we get home from work, school, etc., we normally turn on our ACs first. Instead, we can use fans/ coolers and open the windows (in the evenings) to allow proper ventilation. This can help us cool down. Also, make sure to never leave the ACs running when nobody is in the room. We must do our part and use air conditioners sparingly to help keep our planet safe.