Lucas Davis examines whether the surge in Chinese air‑conditioner exports after China joined the WTO in 2001 lowered prices and helped push U.S. household AC adoption higher between 2001 and 2009, and what that might mean for energy demand and emissions.
By 2011 most U.S. room air conditioners were manufactured in China, which now produces roughly 70% of room units globally.
Price trends for room air conditioners
Wider implications for energy and emissions
The post calls for broader consideration of how global trade that reduces equipment prices feeds into energy demand patterns and emissions trajectories. It suggests energy economists should explore the relationship systematically across multiple durable goods and sectors.
As heatwaves become more frequent and intense across Asia, the region faces a dangerous power paradox. Soaring demand for air conditioning threatens to push electricity grids closer to failure just as extreme heat puts the infrastructure under greater strain, raising the risk of cooling disappearing when people need it
A hot summer has shifted attitudes towards cooling. Swiss voters also favour stronger protections for workers and pupils when temperatures soar. Air conditioning remains uncommon in Switzerland. Only about one household in ten has it. But that may be changing.A survey by Leewas for 20 Minuten and Tamedia, conducted aft
Global AC demand will inevitably accelerate as the world continues to warm amid the climate crisis The greenest campaigners against climate change have long suffered from a crippling shortcoming: they too often frame the challenge as a problem of excess consumption. This motivates calls to “degrow” the economy and to c
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