· 2 min read
illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Washington Post or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: Ceiling fans, a long-standing solution in many hot regions, are making a comeback as an alternative to air conditioning amid rising global temperatures
• Their ability to increase comfort by moving air makes them energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, in contrast to air conditioners that contribute to global warming
🔭 The context: Ceiling fans, once a common appliance in the U.S., remain essential in many parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America where air conditioning is less affordable
• A fan uses significantly less power than an air conditioner, reducing energy consumption and associated emissions
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Switching from air conditioning to ceiling fans could drastically lower greenhouse gas emissions, easing the environmental burden as the world experiences increasingly hotter summers
⏭️ What's next: As temperatures continue to rise, the demand for air conditioning is expected to surge, especially in developing nations
• Promoting the use of ceiling fans in temperate regions could help mitigate this trend and reduce overall energy consumption
💬 One quote: “In a time of climate change, the ceiling fan is an old solution to a 21st century problem.” — Samanth Subramanian
📈 One stat: A 2022 study found that switching from air conditioning to fans can reduce electricity use by 76%
Click for more news covering the latest on climate change
