In 2019, around 1 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions were produced, cooling our homes, workplaces, stores, and industrial facilities around the world. That’s equivalent to the greenhouse gas emissions produced by over 215 million gasoline-powered passenger vehicles driven for a year. Globally, between 1990 to 2016, the energy associated with cooling buildings tripled.
The market for air-conditioning in emerging and developing economies is also heating up, with an estimated 10% increase in demand for cooling equipment between 2018 and 2019 alone!
As the world heats up, the global demand for air-conditioning is expected to triple by 2050, with an estimated 66% increase in the number of cooling units installed by 2030. Ensuring a sufficient, reliable, equitable, and clean supply of energy and climate-controlled spaces is critical. This will require a comprehensive response by governments, corporations, and local and state decision-makers. According to the International Energy Agency, increasing the energy efficiency of our air-conditioning systems could avoid up to 460 billion tons of emissions over the next 40 years and save around $3 trillion over the next 30 years.
As an individual, you can take some important steps to reduce cooling-related emissions: Replace systems older than 10 years with new, high-efficiency models, install a smart thermostat, avoid making your house an icebox, and weatherproof your home to keep cool air inside. Consider engaging with your local elected officials to ensure that everyone in your community has access to cool public spaces, like cool and clean air shelters during heat events. We also need as many voices as possible advocating for energy efficiency and energy security at local, federal, and international levels.
So be a cool kid on the block and turn on your high-efficiency AC unit sparingly. Then write an email or letter to an elected official asking for their commitment to energy efficiency and energy security.
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