India’s Cooling Crisis: Air Conditioners Offer Relief, But Fuel the Heat

India is heating up — and fast. With record-breaking temperatures soaring above 47°C (116°F) in parts of the country, extreme heat is becoming a life-threatening challenge. For millions like Ramesh, a bricklayer in Delhi, surviving scorching summers means toiling outdoors with little protection from the sun. “The heat is unbearable,” he says, “but we have to work to survive.”

But as more Indians turn to air conditioners (ACs) for relief, a dangerous paradox is unfolding — cooling homes is warming the planet.

Cooling for survival — or disaster?

By 2050, India is expected to be one of the first places where temperatures may exceed human survivability limits, according to climate experts. In the same period, AC demand is projected to rise nine-fold, far outpacing all other household appliances.

This trend reflects a harsh truth: as the heat worsens, more people will need ACs to stay safe — yet these cooling devices contribute heavily to climate change, creating a vicious cycle.

How ACs are making the problem worse

Air conditioners not only consume massive amounts of electricity, most of which comes from fossil fuels, but many also use hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) — powerful greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere.

According to the World Economic Forum, emissions from AC use alone could push global temperatures up by 0.5°C by the end of the century if left unchecked.

Development vs. Environment: A tough balancing act

India contributes just 7% of global carbon emissions, far less than developed nations like the U.S. But with 1.4 billion people and growing urban demand, the country is caught between economic growth and climate responsibility.

While 63 countries pledged to reduce cooling-related emissions at COP28, India did not sign. However, it is making domestic progress. Under the 2016 Kigali Amendment, India is phasing out HFCs, and its 2019 Cooling Action Plan aims to reduce cooling power demand by up to 25% by 2038.

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Smarter solutions for a cooler future

Experts suggest “passive cooling” methods — planting trees, using shaded courtyards, better ventilation, and installing ceiling fans — to reduce reliance on ACs. These changes could curb cooling demand by 24% by 2050, saving $3 trillion and avoiding 1.3 billion tons of CO2 emissions.

India is also scaling up renewable energy faster than most major economies, showing strong commitment to emission targets.

The cost of staying cool

For the urban poor, even second-hand ACs come at a steep price. Ghasiram, a 65-year-old laborer in Delhi, spent more than a month’s income to buy an old unit. “The heat has worsened. I feel nervous stepping outside,” he says.

As India faces longer, hotter summers, the need for equitable, climate-friendly cooling solutions is more urgent than ever. The path forward demands innovation, investment — and a firm commitment to staying cool without heating up the planet.