Air conditioning: the benefits, problems and alternatives

Amid record-breaking heat, increased access to air conditioning could save lives - but AC units are damaging the environment. Are there other options?Much of the Earth sweltered under record-topping temperatures this month. Phoenix, Arizona, broke its record for most 110F (43.3C) days. California's Death Valley had its highest temperature ever. An airport in coastal Iran saw a heat index of 152F, while Beijing saw a record stretch of 95F days.Oppressive heatwaves have become more frequent and more severe as a result of the climate crisis - a trend that's expected to continue, and could worsen in proportion to how quickly we can transition from fossil fuels. Continue reading...