With the arrival of summer and the increase in temperatures, the air conditioners become the daily salvation of millions of people. But behind the apparent refreshment is hidden a slightly told contradiction: their massive use is helping to worsen precisely that climate change that makes them increasingly necessary. It is the so -called “air conditioner paradox”, a phenomenon that perfectly embodies the contradictions of our development model.
More accessible and best -selling air conditioners
In essence, the more efficient and accessible the air conditioners, the more they increase their use, and therefore the consumption of energy. This increase in energy demand, especially in countries where electricity is still produced largely from fossil sources, involves a surge in CO₂ and greenhouse gas emissions, fueling global warming. He is a dog who bites his tail. Short -term well -being is paid in the long term with an increasingly extreme climate.
Rebound
It is a typical example of the rebound effect, also known as Jevons’ paradox: when a technology becomes more efficient, its cost of use lowers and the average user tends to abuse it. The result is that the theoretical energy saving is frustrated by greater consumption.
According to a study published in Environmental Economics and Policy Studies in 2022, in Japan – one of the technologically more advanced countries – the introduction of more efficient models led about 40% of families to set lower temperatures, increasing the time of use of air conditioners. In numbers, the estimated direct rebound goes from 5.9% to 10.6% only due to behavioral changes
Globally, the picture is alarming. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), there are today more than 2 billion of air conditioners in operation, and it is expected that this number will triple by 2050. This will mean a dizzying increase in electricity consumption, with an extra estimated request of 2,500 TWH per year – the equivalent of the combined consumption of the United States, EU and Japan. The air conditioning is also one of the main sources of fluorinated greenhouse gas emissions (HFC), which have a climbing power thousands of times higher than CO₂.
Increases the heating of urban areas
But it is not only a question of emissions, the massive use of air conditioners also contributes to another little discussed problem: the heating of urban areas. The air conditioners, while cooling the interiors, release heat outside, worsening the “heat island” effect in the cities, especially in the densest and more cemented ones. In practice, it escapes fresh to a few to warm everyone.
Possible solutions?
The solutions are not simple, but they exist. On the one hand, a technological change is needed: design buildings that reduce dependence on artificial cooling, use reflective materials, improve thermal insulation and promote urban green. On the other hand, a cultural change is needed: to reduce the temperature of one degree, turn off the air when it is not necessary, limit nocturnal use. Finally, it is crucial regulating refrigerants better and investing in renewable sources to power these devices.
It is not realistic to imagine a world without air conditioners, especially in contexts where temperatures exceed 40 degrees. But it is essential to recognize that their uncontrolled diffusion, without a sustainable plan, can be transformed from solution to problem. It is time to ask ourselves not only how much we consume to refresh ourselves, but at what price.
