According to a study published in the journal Scientific Reports, the use of air conditioners to cope with rising temperatures could result in a substantial increase in carbon dioxide emissions. The study, conducted by environmental economists Francesco Colelli, Enrica De Cian, and Ian Sue Wing, warns of potential emissions of up to 10 million cubic meters in Europe and 120 million cubic meters in India by 2050.
These findings highlight the growing demand for air conditioners and electricity for cooling, and the potential mismatch between adaptation and mitigation efforts. The study predicts a doubling of air-conditioning uptake in Europe and a fourfold increase in India by 2050, reaching approximately 40% of homes in both regions.
Although increased air conditioning can reduce heat exposure and provide benefits to the population, it also has significant environmental consequences. The increased energy production required by air conditioners could lead to a rise in annual CO2 emissions of 7-17 million tons in Europe and 38-160 million tons in India.
Enrica De Cian, professor of environmental economics at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice and coordinator of the research project, explains that relying on air conditioning as a heat adaptation strategy risks undermining efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Francesco Colelli, researcher and co-author of the study, adds that countries like Italy and Spain may experience a 16% increase in peak electricity consumption, leading to higher electricity prices and increased investment in energy generation and transmission facilities.
To mitigate these emissions, the study suggests improving the energy efficiency of air conditioners and promoting decarbonization of energy production. This would require more efficient models of air conditioners, particularly in India, as well as more stringent greenhouse gas mitigation targets.
The research findings are currently on display in Venice as part of The Cooling Solution exhibition. The exhibition features photographs by Gaia Squarci and provides additional information about the Energya project.
More information:
Francesco Pietro Colelli et al, Air-conditioning adoption and electricity demand highlight climate change mitigation–adaptation tradeoffs, Scientific Reports (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31469-z
Provided by Ca’ Foscari University of Venice
Citation:
Air conditioning in India and Europe poses risk for dramatic rise in emissions, says study (2023, June 20) retrieved 20 June 2023 from https://phys.org/news/2023-06-air-conditioning-india-europe-poses.html
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