India's Heatwave Fuels Record AC Sales, Sparks Environmental Concerns.

India experienced record air conditioner sales of 14 million units last year, driven by increasingly severe and sometimes deadly heat, with residential ownership expected to multiply ninefold by mid-century. While providing crucial relief for millions, this surge in AC demand is predicted to triple India's electricity needs, largely met by coal, and exacerbate urban heat through exhaust. For individuals like Aarti Verma in Delhi, AC is becoming a necessity for coping with extreme temperatures, even at night. Despite only 7% of households currently owning ACs, India is the fastest-growing market globally, fueled by weather, a rising middle class, financing options, and electrification. Experts warn this boom could significantly increase India's greenhouse gas emissions. While energy-efficient ACs are gaining popularity, the widespread use of refrigerants and coal-powered electricity presents a climate challenge. The extreme heat in India, with 2024 being the hottest year on record and temperatures reaching near 50°C, has made ACs less of a luxury and more of a vital tool for survival.