Presentation
By bringing together three complementary approaches–social justice, adaptation and energy–this Issue Brief aims to illustrate how the concept of the right to cool down could help move beyond a polarized and sometimes fruitless debate on air conditioning, whilst beginning to outline avenues for action at a collective level.
Key Messages
- A fresh debate on air conditioning is possible, one that takes into account both the risks of maladaptation and the inappropriateness of making citizens feel guilty–particularly as they sometimes have no alternative but to use a portable air conditioner.
- The 'right to cooldown’ is a new concept, one that has yet to be defined and developed, but which opens up a vital debate: how can we develop an adaptation policy framework that combines short-term and medium-term measures, and how can we coordinate individual initiatives within a collective framework?
- A number of approaches are already emerging: making it easier to install cooling equipment in the home (shade structures, blinds, fans, reversible heat pumps) by promoting best practice, alongside decarbonization; adapting public spaces to provide cool environments, shaded areas; and adapting working practices.
- The collective development of energy-efficient practices is both possible and essential (such as the use of passive solutions and the rational use of air conditioning, etc.): this must be the focus of a specific initiative that harnesses the necessary knowledge and resources.
- As for now, the ability to cope with heatwaves is ‘highly stratified’. But no one should be left without access to cooling.
