Theguardian iconTheguardianSep 6, 2026

Air conditioners are our best bet in the fight against extreme heat – whether we like it or not

The claim is that humans consume too many resources, which in the context of climate change means too much energy. Nowhere has the tension between this proposition and reality become more palpable during this sweltering summer than in the conversation over air conditioning.

Air conditioners are our best bet in the fight against extreme heat – whether we like it or not

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The claim is that humans consume too many resources, which in the context of climate change means too much energy.

Nowhere has the tension between this proposition and reality become more palpable during this sweltering summer than in the conversation over air conditioning.

This motivates calls to "degrow" the economy and to curb the population.

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The claim is that humans consume too many resources, which in the context of climate change means too much energy. Nowhere has the tension between this proposition and reality become more palpable during this sweltering summer than in the conversation over air conditioning. This motivates calls to "degrow" the economy and to curb the population.

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This motivates calls to "degrow" the economy and to curb the population.

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