AC Usage and Climate Change India

India is witnessing a massive surge in air conditioner (AC) usage. While the relief it provides during scorching summers is undeniable, the long-term implications on the climate are alarming. 

Let’s understand how AC usage and climate change in India are closely linked — and what it means for India’s future.

Soaring Temperatures and Soaring AC Sales

In 2024 alone, more than 14 million air conditioners were sold in India, reflecting how dependent Indian households are becoming on artificial cooling.

With frequent heatwaves, especially in cities like Delhi, where temperatures have touched 49.2°C, ACs are now considered a basic necessity by those who can afford them.

However, this growing comfort comes at a serious cost to the environment — a key issue for every SSC aspirant to understand.

ACs and India’s Growing Carbon Footprint

The air conditioning carbon footprint in India is expanding rapidly. The rise in ACs directly increases electricity demand, most of which still comes from coal-powered electricity.

This fossil fuel usage contributes to greenhouse gas emissions from ACs, worsening India’s already critical air pollution and climate issues.

India, currently the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, surpassed 1 billion tons in coal production in 2024–25 — a record that further adds to the country’s environmental burden.

How ACs Make Cities Even Hotter

You might think that ACs cool the indoors — but they also expel hot air outside, contributing to urban heat islands. According to the World Health Organization’s “Health in the Green Economy” report, this expelled heat can raise urban temperatures by at least 1°C.

This phenomenon intensifies the impact of ACs on urban heat in India, making already-hot cities like Ahmedabad, Delhi, and Hyderabad even more unbearable.

Rising Cooling Demand and Energy Crisis

The cooling demand and energy crisis in India are deeply interconnected. With only 7% of Indian homes owning an AC today, the demand is expected to grow ninefold by 2050. But with more ACs comes an electricity surge — potentially causing major strain on India’s power grids and increasing peak demand.

The UNEP Cool Coalition predicts that by 2050, air conditioning could account for nearly 50% of peak electricity demand in India, highlighting the unsustainable path the country is on.

Refrigerants and the Climate Threat

Another hidden danger is the climate impact of refrigerants in India. ACs use hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are super-potent greenhouse gases. While efforts are being made to phase them out globally under the Kigali Amendment, their continued use in India raises environmental concerns.

What Are the Sustainable Alternatives?

To counter the environmental damage, experts recommend energy-efficient cooling solutions in India like

• Star-rated ACs and inverter technology

• Passive cooling architecture

• Wider adoption of solar-powered cooling

• Government schemes promoting sustainable AC usage

These sustainable cooling alternatives in India are vital for reducing carbon emissions and tackling India's heatwaves and AC dependency effectively.

Why This Matters for SSC Aspirants

For SSC aspirants, understanding AC usage and climate change in India is crucial as it connects multiple topics — environment, economy, technology, and governance.

You can expect questions in:

• General Awareness: Questions on climate policy, energy use, and urbanisation

• Environment Section: Impact of fossil fuels, refrigerants, and sustainable solutions

• Essay/Descriptive Papers: AC boom and its link to climate change in India