The article by Tatiana Schlossberg presents a simple and clear explanation of the close future of air conditioning systems and their influence on global warming (“How Bad Is Your Air-Conditioner for the Planet?”, 2016) Year by year the Earth becomes a hotter place to live and so far almost 90% of American homes have air conditioners. On the one hand, it allows to develop South and Southwest of the country, yet on the other, it leads to the construction of less energy-efficient buildings. In addition, air conditioners emit HFC gas, or hydrofluorocarbons, which traps the heat in the atmosphere and fosters the global warming.
Therefore, the last summer the representatives of 200 countries have met to discuss a new agreement, which will serve as an amendment to the Montreal Protocol. The aim of the agreement is to phase out the production of HFCs in 2019 in developed countries and in 2021 in developing countries. Although this is a significant step to prevent the climate change, many people are afraid that they will have to give up air-conditioning. It is true that the Earth may become a too hot place to maintain a comfortable temperature without air-conditioning, however, there are several companies who already look for alternatives to HFCs. For example, Honeywell has invested money in patenting and developing the technology based on HFOs (hydrofluoroolefins), which are less harmful, break down in a few days and consequently do not heat the atmosphere. This new generation of conditioners will be more expensive, yet it also will be eco-friendlier and can serve as a substitution for HFC conditioners.
The new agreement and changes are worth money and time spent as they slow down global warming. All people should refuse from HFC air-conditioning systems, which heat the atmosphere, and gradually move to more ecological technologies. This can be the only possible compromise between the willingness to live in a comfortable temperature and the need to save the Earth.
References
Schlossberg, T. (2016, Aug 9). How Bad Is Your Air-Conditioner for the Planet? The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/10/science/air-conditioner-global-warming.html?_r=0
