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Thomas
@aviationdoctor.eth
The Economist with a cool (ha) article on innovation in air conditioning. TL;DR: - Avg temperature already up 1.2°C from pre-industrial baseline, on track to +2°C by mid-century. - AC units to triple by mid-century. - Evidence exists for heat-related mortality avoidance thanks to AC. - AC contributes more CO2 emissions than the airline industry. - Cooling becomes *more* energy intensive per ° as air temperature rises. - Decarbonizing electricity would help, but AC lifespan is typically 20 years, so the energy efficiency of units sold today will impact emissions through mid-century. - AC design currently does two things: cool the air and remove the condensed humidity from around the coils to avoid damage. - Research shows at least 40% improved efficiency by separating those two functions: push humid air through a lattice or membrane that captures water first, then cool the air. https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2024/09/04/new-tech-can-make-air-conditioning-less-harmful-to-the-planet
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law
@traguy.eth
If I’m getting this right, Thoman ACs do more harm than good?
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Thomas
@aviationdoctor.eth
Individually no, but collectively yes. Most people who need AC don’t have it, and yet they subsidize those who do (by paying indirectly for climate externalities, i.e., the local impacts of global warming from GHG emissions)
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law
@traguy.eth
Okay i think im getting it But by "indirectly paying for climate externalities"? Are you referring to the increased costs of healthcare, infrastructure, and other services related to climate change?
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Thomas
@aviationdoctor.eth
Yes, plus local droughts, extreme weather events, job loss, water shortages, diseases, etc. Essentially all the first and second order impacts of climate change. The GHG emissions are disproportionately caused by a few (top five countries out of ~200 account for ~50% of emissions) but the costs are borne by everyone
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