Yo someone turn the A/C on

Welcome back to the Strawman, the daily climate newsletter that’s kinda like that guy you know who knows a little bit of everything. Damn, gotta love that person.

Today we’re diving in to feedback loops. It’s like when you eat something salty so you need something sweet so you eat something salty so you need something sweet again. Pause - we’re all about healthy lifestyles here; quick reminder you don’t need that 6th donut.

Let’s get to it.

Is it just me or is it a bit warm?

You know the mood - it’s hot out; the only thing that’s keeping you safe? That A/C that’s playing at full blast like a High School Musical anthem on a night in the town.

But stop and think for a second… if it’s getting warmer - we’re going to need more A/Cs… that contribute to climate change… that make it warmer.

Shit.

It’s a positive feedback loop - the more we use A/Cs, the more A/Cs we’ll need - problematic if you ask me.

Electric grids aren’t big fans

How much of a difference can A/Cs make anyways? Apparently, a big one.

India, China, and Texas have all had huge spikes in energy requirements on hot days that have put strains on current energy production systems. Don’t get me started on energy grids (most haven’t had real upgrads since the end of the 20th century).

According to the IEA (International Energy Agency), demand for electricity used for cooling might triple. That’s a lot.

There are a few different routes to making sense of all of this:

1. Using A/Cs less

   a. Duh - big fan go brr less => less energy used. Despite the obviousness of this solution, it’s surprising how many people leave systems running all the time - rather when it starts getting stuffy. Patience is a virtue as they say…

2. Using more efficient machines - great idea and actually practical here => given the relatively low penetration of A/Cs in many countries - most new purchases are likely to be newer models. These are up to 2x more efficient than older ones - now that’s something we can get behind.

We’ll see you tomorrow,

The Strawman