In the scorching heat of India’s capital, Delhi, temperatures have soared beyond 52°C. The extreme heat has forced people to rely heavily on air conditioners (ACs), leading to increased electricity consumption and pollution. Sonam Wangchuk, an engineer and environmentalist from Ladakh, has a suggestion to tackle this problem and reduce the pollution caused by cooling methods in India.
The Problem: Overuse of Air Conditioners
Air conditioners are known for their high electricity consumption. In fact, about 10% of India’s electricity production is used by ACs, and this number is expected to rise as more people can afford them. The pollution caused by ACs is significant, contributing to the emission of greenhouse gases. Surprisingly, buildings contribute to about 40% of the world’s pollution emissions, more than motor vehicles.
The Solution: A Balanced Approach
Sonam Wangchuk suggests a more balanced and scientific approach to cooling our homes and offices. He explains that people in different parts of the world feel comfortable at different temperatures. For example, people in cold regions like Europe or the Himalayas feel comfortable at 20-22°C, while those in warmer regions like Delhi feel comfortable at 26-28°C.
He emphasizes the importance of setting AC thermostats to 26°C instead of lowering them to 20°C or even 18°C, which many people do, mimicking colder climates. By doing so, not only do people feel uncomfortable, but it also wastes a significant amount of electricity. For every degree we lower the thermostat, we use 6% more electricity. Therefore, setting the AC to 26°C can save up to 36% of the electricity used.
Using Cotton Clothes and Fans
Wangchuk also highlights the benefits of using cotton clothes, which allow sweat to evaporate, cooling the body naturally. He suggests wearing cotton clothes and using cotton sheets instead of thick blankets in hot regions like Delhi.
Furthermore, fans are a much more efficient way to stay cool. A fan can provide comfort by cooling the air around you by 6°C using 20-30 times less electricity than an AC. For example, if the temperature is 32°C, a fan can make it feel like 26°C, the comfort range for most people in hot regions.
A Mixed Solution: Combining ACs and Fans
Sonam Wangchuk proposes a mixed solution where both ACs and fans are used together. Set the AC to 32°C and use a fan to bring the temperature down further. This method uses much less electricity and significantly reduces pollution. Instead of cooling from 40°C to 20°C, which is unnecessary, cooling from 40°C to 32°C and then using a fan can save a considerable amount of energy.
The Impact: Saving Energy and Reducing Pollution
By adopting this balanced approach, we can save up to 72% of electricity used for cooling. This could lead to the shutdown of many polluting power plants, such as the Badarpur Coal Power Plant near Delhi, which was closed in 2018 due to its high pollution levels.
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Sonam Wangchuk’s suggestion is simple yet powerful. By setting our ACs to 26°C, wearing cotton clothes, and using fans, we can significantly reduce electricity consumption and pollution. This scientific and thoughtful approach not only saves money but also helps protect our environment.
Let’s adopt these practices and make our planet a better place to live. As Sonam Wangchuk says, “This planet has enough for everyone’s need, but not enough for everyone’s greed.” Let’s live wisely and ensure a healthier future for all.
