In a world where soaring temperatures threaten millions across South Asia, the demand for air-conditioning has become a necessity rather than a luxury. As the planet heats up, billions of people are seeking relief from deadly temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. While this surge in air-conditioning may raise concerns about its climate impact, it also represents a crucial step in addressing the gaping disparity in cooling access between affluent and disadvantaged individuals and nations, ultimately fostering a more equitable global landscape.

Currently, the majority of the world's two billion air-conditioning units are concentrated in prosperous regions of North America and East Asia, with Europe following from a distance. Conversely, ownership in the hottest regions stands at a mere 12 percent, in stark contrast to over 90 percent in the U.S. and Japan. Yet, as economies flourish and temperatures continue to rise, this landscape is set to transform dramatically.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the world is anticipated to introduce an additional four billion air-conditioning units by 2050, primarily driven by emerging economies like India and Indonesia. While air-conditioners can be energy-intensive, particularly with inefficient models, these countries will require significantly more electricity to meet the surging demand. In fact, AC usage could account for 20 to 44 percent of India's peak power load by 2050 if powered by fossil fuels, potentially leading to substantial increases in global greenhouse gas emissions.

However, the real question is not whether cooling needs will exacerbate climate change but how we can seize this opportunity to promote greener cooling technology and renewable energy adoption. In the pursuit of climate justice, air-conditioning has the potential to level the playing field among nations. In temperate regions like northern U.S. and northern Europe, cooling is often a summer inconvenience, whereas in the tropics, prolonged and scorching heat waves pose far more lethal challenges. This inequality in climate impacts necessitates a reevaluation of cooling as an essential component of global climate justice.

To assess the physiological impact of extreme heat waves, researchers employ the concept of "wet-bulb temperature," considering both heat and humidity. At around 90 degrees Fahrenheit wet-bulb temperature, labor becomes unsafe, and beyond 95 degrees Fahrenheit, the human body can no longer self-regulate, resulting in illness and death. If global temperatures rise by 2 degrees Celsius (approximately 3.5 degrees Fahrenheit), South Asia may experience over twice as many unsafe labor and life-threatening conditions as today. Restricting temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius (around 2.5 degrees Fahrenheit) would halve this risk but still leave millions vulnerable to extreme heat stress. This is not a future hypothetical but a pressing current issue, as the past nine years have consistently ranked among the top 10 warmest on record.

In addition to the devastating loss of life during heat waves, there are profound economic consequences. High temperatures disrupt labor productivity, resulting in significant economic losses in regions such as South and Southeast Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and Central America. In 2020 alone, extreme heat led to an estimated loss of 295 billion potential work hours globally, with agriculture-based poor countries bearing the brunt of these impacts.

So, how can we avert this disaster? First and foremost, we must recognize that adequate cooling is an urgent human need in a warming climate. Extreme heat's disruptive effects will continue to escalate, necessitating equitable access to cooling technology for the survival and prosperity of billions living in tropical regions.

Manufacturers and governments must collaborate to develop affordable and efficient AC technology with environmentally friendly refrigerants. While today's average AC units are only 10 percent more efficient than those from 2010, effective policies and technology advancements can double unit efficiency and reduce cooling energy demand by 45 percent by 2050. Governments, along with philanthropic organizations and manufacturers, should invest in lowering the cost of higher-quality air conditioner models while restricting the dumping of older, less efficient units in poorer countries. Transitioning to alternative refrigerants can significantly reduce cooling emissions in the coming decades.

Now is the time to establish cleaner and more equitable energy systems. Cooling demand is shifting to tropical regions ideally suited for solar power generation, coinciding with solar peaks during daytime temperature spikes. This synergy means that AC units can drive demand precisely when solar generation is at its peak, enhancing the financial viability of renewable energy worldwide. Complementary efforts to reduce overall cooling energy demand, such as improving building efficiency and exploring non-electric cooling technologies, are also crucial.

Cooling need not exceed our carbon budget. When harnessed wisely, it can foster equity, economic growth, and the transition to clean energy. Generac of KC and similar entities can play a pivotal role in promoting greener and more efficient cooling solutions, ensuring a sustainable future for all.