Living in the high desert of Nevada, I can understand you. I only used fans when I lived at Ft. Huachuca, AZ. However out here in humid and high alergen Washington DC, I consider AC as a necessity if I’m going to have clear sinuses and few headaches. And, as I’ve grown older, my reaction to the pollen out here has increased.
A/C has likely saved countless lives in regard to respiratory infections, severe allergies which can also mean respiratory infections, Asthma, and helps keep molds, mildew, and bacterias under control. In my neck of the woods east Tennessee about 95% probably have and use A/C.
It would be hilarious though if A/C were cut off to large facilities like The Vatican, government offices especially the larger multi story ones for about a day. The ones working inside would be falling on their blessed assurances from the condensate on the tiled concrete floors.
A Outside of power consumption {far less than heating BTW} which thanks to technology has been lowered to about a third in may homes there is no significant environmental impact. None Nada. Air Condition is simply the removal of heat transferred to another location. It's the exact same principle and system that is used in common residential and commercial refrigeration. I used to work on A/C systems with 300 plus tons cooling capacity.
My allergy doctor is a huge supporter of A/C and good high quality air filters. I look forward to a return of late fall and winter outdoor temperatures so I can once again go outside and enjoy it.