Air Conditioning Saves Lives but Threatens the Climate—Can New Tech Fix It?

Air conditioning plays a vital role in public health, preventing nearly 200,000 premature deaths in 2019 alone. Yet its environmental impact remains a growing concern, with artificial cooling consuming 7% of global electricity and contributing 3% of greenhouse gas emissions. The demand for cooling continues to rise. The International Energy Agency forecasts that the number of air conditioners worldwide will triple by 2050. This increase raises worries about energy use and refrigerant leaks, as improperly discarded units can release gases far more potent than carbon dioxide.

Researchers are now exploring solid-state cooling as a cleaner alternative. This emerging technology could reduce reliance on traditional systems and their environmental drawbacks. While air conditioning saves lives, its expansion poses challenges for energy demand and emissions. New technologies like solid-state cooling may offer a more sustainable path forward. The shift could help address both climate concerns and rising cooling needs.