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Posted August 5, 2026 at 10:15 am
“I love your country but hate the fact you have no air conditioning” was the comment that an American friend of your author shared with him when visiting London from the States recently. Some 40% of the world’s population now has access to air conditioning. However, global distribution is highly uneven, and with record temperatures being recorded across much of the planet, many probably wish they owned a unit. The politics of cooling will only become increasingly important.
from the International Energy Agency suggests that more than 80% of the planet’s population “experiences cooling needs during at least part of the year.” This may come as little surprise to most Americans or Japanese, for around 90% of households in both countries own air conditioning units. By contrast, average European penetration is 23%. In the UK (to the dismay of not only Americans, but locals too), it is just 4%, four times lower than levels in India..
If only it were as easy as just installing more air conditioning units. Globally, grids are straining from a combination of increasing energy demands (data centre expansion is an obvious culprit) and ageing infrastructure (most grids in the western world are several decades old). In many developed countries, questions about climate change and energy efficiency cloud the debate. Elsewhere, the price of electricity and who gets access are often front of mind. Government budget constraints are another issue.
Solutions do, fortunately, exist. Governments and utilities globally are accelerating grid infrastructure upgrades. Global warming is just part of the rationale. Smarter and more cyber-resilient grids are themes we have been discussing . Quanta Services, a speciality grid infrastructure contractor, reported a record backlog of $53bn , indicative of “broad-based organic demand”, per its Chief Executive.
At a practical level, think of additional air conditioning capacity as being only part of the answer. Complementary measures exist such as optimising existing cooling systems, deploying portable cooling units in the warmest areas, improving ventilation and airflow and even installing temporary blinds or solar shading to reduce heat gains. If all else fails, grab yourself a cold drink and find some shade.
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Originally Posted August 4, 2026 – Staying cool and chilling out
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