<h5>Why is there an increase in the number of air conditioners being sold?</h5><p>Summers are very hot. Humans try everything they can to survive this period of the year. The most immediate solution for this is air conditioners (ACs). Without ACs, it becomes difficult to survive in hot conditions.</p><p>Demand for ACs is increasing in countries with rising temperatures, such as India, China, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Research says that one billion ACs will be sold by the decade's end. With an increase in the earnings of people, many can now afford ACs for themselves and their families.</p><p>That's good for public health, but it's definitely bad for the environment.</p><h5>What are some impacts of air conditioners on our planet?</h5><p>ACs require a large amount of electricity to run. If the electricity is produced using fossil fuels, this can lead to higher greenhouse gas emissions. ACs also use certain refrigerants that can cause global warming and climate change when they are released.</p><p>When ACs reach the end of their life span, we generally throw them away. This causes electrical waste generation. Improper dumping and not recycling old ACs can pollute the environment.</p><p>ACs are manufactured by using raw materials like plastics, metals, etc. Continuous extraction of raw materials can cause deforestation. It can also cause the destruction of habitat and natural resources. All these can harm our planet.</p><div class="raw-html-embed"><figure> <iframe width="100%" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fbhLBBcm2Fg" title="The Cruel Irony Of Air Conditioning" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><figcaption>Harmful effects of air conditioning explained. Video by MinuteEarth.</figcaption></figure></div><h5>What can be done to reduce these impacts?</h5><p>It must be seen that energy-efficient ACs are used. Such ACs require less electricity to function. This will result in decreased electricity use, and electricity generated using fossil fuels will be less needed. Renewable energy sources must be encouraged for ACs. This contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions caused by power generation.</p><p>Builders and architects can implement designs that can help cool down a neighbourhood. Planting more trees can also help reduce temperatures. This can also help limit the use of ACs. AC manufacturers must also use refrigerants that do not cause global warming and ozone layer depletion.</p><p>However, implementing some of these plans can increase the price of ACs. This may prevent some people from purchasing them. There are people who have worked hard to provide an AC for their families.</p><p>Keeping this in mind, manufacturers must come up with methods that will not cause a rise in prices while cutting down on emissions. Also, when we get home from work, school, etc., we generally turn on our ACs first during summer. Instead, we can turn on our fans/ coolers and open the windows (in the evenings) to allow proper ventilation. This can help us cool down.</p><p>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.</p>

The environment will suffer as more air conditioners are sold and used.

More ACs Will Save Lives but Not the Planet

Hootcoins for this article have expired!

The United Kingdom Has a New Electricity Source

The Threat of Rising Sea Levels

Volcano Erupts in Russia

More ACs Will Save Lives but Not the Planet

Hootcoins for this article have expired!

Did you read these articles?

The United Kingdom Has a New Electricity Source

The Threat of Rising Sea Levels

Volcano Erupts in Russia