A Luxury the World Can’t Afford (Air Conditionining!)

The New York Times ^ | June 21, 2012 | Stan Cox

[Timber Rattler]

The economist Thorstein Veblen once quipped that "invention is the mother of necessity." That was before the age of air-conditioning, but no technology better illustrates Veblen's point. Having developed efficient cooling, we've designed homes, businesses and transportation systems that are completely dependent on it, while the resulting greenhouse emissions create the need for even more air-conditioning.

(snip)

We must break this feedback loop, but what does one say to someone living in one of the tropical nations where much of the increase in cooling demand is expected? Surely not that Americans are addicted to air-conditioning and can’t give it up, but we expect Southeast Asians to get by without air-conditioners because they're used to the heat.

[Timber Rattler]

Can't wait for Bloomberg to ban air conditioners in new York City!!!!

[running_dog_lackey]

can’t wait for the New York Times to shut down the a/c in their offices.

[HerrBlucher]

Hmmmm, I thought global warming caused global cooling. These nutballs never make any sense.

[beebuster2000]

conditioningningningningning ping

[MIchaelTArchangel]

Maybe if we banned air conditioning in DC we would have a Congress that adjourns by Memorial Day and the members of Congress would have to get real jobs in their districts.

[I still care]

Well, that will get rid of those regressive Southerners, who are too stupid to vote the Correct Way!

[BreezyDog]

Not that I condone banning a/c...but if it was banned the obesity problem would go away...

[umgud]

I keep my house cold as a meat locker and they'll have to pry the thermostat out of my dead COLD hands.

[GeronL]

There would be bloodshed in the streets.... hello triple digits in Texas!

[Flag_This]

"We must break this feedback loop, but what does one say to someone living in one of the tropical nations where much of the increase in cooling demand is expected?"

If liberals weren't complete hypocrites, they'd throw themselves into the nearest volcano - to save the planet.

[abercrombie_guy_38]

I was in Bangkok in April and Thais sure know how to use AC.

[Puckster]

They never lead by example....you know that.

Can you imagine if they did shut it off.....everyone sitting/walking around with their underwear on...or not?

Even after mentioning that.....I wish I hadn’t said it.

[GeronL]

they wouls sell a lot more ice cream I bet

[Darren McCarty]

I don’t like this. I rarely use the AC, but if AC’s banned, so will central heating next.

[nascarnation]

can’t wait for the New York Times to shut down the a/c in their offices..

Well said! Followed by the federal buildings in Wash DC.

[Doogle]

20 oz cokes

[Dallas59]

[GeronL]

I’d be drinking 2 liters every hour. lol.

[I Drive Too Fast]

No, no. We need MORE A/C. Just open up all of the windows. If we all did this and ran them 24/7 it surely should lower the temperature outside.

Problem solved.

[2ndDivisionVet]

They can KMA! I’ll move to another country!