Green War on Air Conditioning is Heating Up

[rangerrebew]

Green War on Air Conditioning is Heating Up
29 minutes ago Eric Worrall 
Essay by Eric Worrall

“We cannot air condition our way out of climate change” according to UNSW author Professor Mat Santamouris.

“We Cannot Air-Condition Our Way Out of Climate Change,” Cooling Study Finds

A new global review argues passive cooling technology must become central to climate adaptation.

Published: July 6, 2026
Original story from the University of New South Wales, Sydney

As temperatures rise around the world, air conditioning is saving lives. But a growing reliance on it is also placing unprecedented pressure on electricity grids, increasing greenhouse gas emissions and making cities even hotter.

A global review led by UNSW Sydney’s Professor Mat Santamouris AM – an expert in innovative heat mitigation technologies and strategies for cities– argues that keeping buildings cool without relying solely on air conditioning will be critical for adapting to climate change.

…

Prof. Santamouris says passive cooling should no longer be viewed as a niche architectural feature, but as essential infrastructure for a warming world.

https://wattsupwiththat.com/2026/07/06/green-war-on-air-conditioning-is-heating-up/

[Weird Tolkienish Figure]

Nothing wrong with passive cooling as long as they don't forget the AC.

[DefiantMassRINO]

Good luck passively cooling anything when it's 101^oF and the Dew Point is 75^oF+.

I think there is some potential for Geothermal Passive Cooling geoexchange systems in areas where they are economical.  They can take some load off electric cooling, but not eliminate the need for electric cooling completely.

Also, not having to charge electric vehicles might take some load off the electric grid.  Also, using gas stoves may help take some load off the electric grid.  Having some coal, gas, and nuclear power generation stations may help stabilize the electric grid during hot seasons when solar panels and wind turbines are not enough.