The Economist writes on ways to reduce heatwave deaths.
- Deaths from heatwaves can dominate news headlines and cause despair, but they can be avoided.
- One easy and effective way is air conditioning, which companies are making more energy efficient and environmentally friendly.
- Urban planning can also reduce deaths, especially if cities embrace green spaces and tree plantings which can reduce temperatures in these areas.
“Air conditioning, where affordable, is part of the answer. If powered by renewable energy, it is not bad for the climate, and it can save lives. A study in the Lancet concluded that there were 345,000 heat-related deaths worldwide in 2019 among the over-65s, and that the toll would have been 50% higher without air conditioning. So environmentalists are wrong to shun this wonderful technology. Since the organisers of the Paris Olympics decided not to install air conditioners in athletes’ quarters, many teams will simply bring their own.”
Read the full article here.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of C3.
