Energy-intensive appliances consume large amounts of electricity, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change
No matter which season of the year we are in, the general tendency shown by people to describe the present one as much worse than the previous years has been a measure of the concern shown for the deteriorating weather conditions as we move over from one year to the next one.
Even as I make this observation, the weather has been hot and humid in the past few weeks. Overcast skies and scanty drizzles giving indications of the approach of pre-monsoon showers have however not been that merciful.
With the scorching sun beating down relentlessly, comparing the recent summers has become a favourite pastime among the young and old alike. For a fact though, the past couple of summers have been exceptionally hot with the trend portending a significant warming and a shift towards more extreme weather events.
Understanding perfectly well that global temperatures are rising and that it’s not just a perception as many would have us believe, the need to hence heed the warnings becomes all the more essential than it would seem. The usual jibe about the younger generation not being able to endure intense weather conditions however needs to be toned down considering that they will experience a higher frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters than older generations.
But on second thoughts, is it actually as hot as it appears to be or are we getting more intolerant towards the changing weather patterns that make many of us swear and cuss at the inevitability of the whole predicament that assails us!
If weather pundits are to be believed, NO, it is indeed very hot and is expected to get even hotter.
During our good old days - the ‘70s to be precise - we did experience heatwaves, but they were not as frequent or intense as heatwaves seen in more recent decades. The summers then were characterized by a few instances of unusually warm weather which were never considered extreme compared to what has been observed these last few years.
The impact of human-caused climate change on heatwaves has become more pronounced in recent decades making them more frequent and severe.
Where a ceiling or pedestal fan sufficed to keep one cool during those years, it is the age of coolers and air conditioners now. They are no more a luxury but necessities of the modern era.
Then again, what were once used for a few hours to cool the bedroom in the nights during summers are now indispensable home comforts. It is claimed that air conditioners provide relief from the heat and humidity, reduces the heat-related illness, and can even improve air quality.
However, the contention that air conditioners and coolers contribute to the urban heat island effect by releasing heat into the environment and increasing energy consumption is not without its share of apprehensions.
Air conditioners, in particular, use refrigerants that are powerful greenhouse gases, further contributing to global warming. “The Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect occurs when cities experience much warmer temperatures than the surrounding countryside. This happens because cities have more surfaces that absorb and retain heat, like buildings, pavements, and dark-coloured surfaces.”
The negative impacts on the environment and human well-being notwithstanding, the concretisation of every inch of land brought about by the rapid urbanization is surprisingly a perception of ‘development’ for many.
It is as if the ‘comfort’ quotient is scoring over all thoughts of sustainable development. An Assistant Engineer friend of mine in the electricity department attributed the frequent power outages we were experiencing these days to the telecasts of the ISL and IPL matches underway.
With people using ACs and other appliances, especially in hot weather, the overheating of the transformers during this period of high electricity demand is a natural consequence, he explained.
Hill stations are towns located at higher elevations, often built as places of refuge from the blistering heat of the plains. They are typically characterized by cooler temperatures and scenic views, making them popular tourist destinations. As the country’s largest and best-known hill station, Shimla continues to be a highly sought-after tourist destination with its colonial heritage evident in its architecture, urban design, and historical sites.
Although Shimla continues to wear the tag of the summer capital of British India, the title bestowed upon the beautiful city by Sir John Lawrence in 1864 appears to be highly misplaced now considering the drastic topographical changes brought about by the haphazard and uncontrolled construction activities going on. Today, the sight of ceiling fans in many of the resorts in Shimla, though shocking, bears testimony to the environmental degradation that it has wrought upon itself.
In Shimla, which was once known for its cool climate, the presence of fans and even air conditioning units indicates a growing demand for cooling solutions due to rising temperatures. The traditional “Queen of the Hills” is experiencing warmer weather, prompting residents and visitors to seek relief from the heat.
Similar reports from other locales in mountainous regions of the country hint of a ‘warming’ trend where increased urbanization and deforestation have contributed to the alarming situation.
With comforts deciding modern day inventions, it becomes extremely essential that the adverse effects brought about by the harmful alteration to the environment are addressed properly.
One cannot refute the fact that our dependence on resources for convenience and consumption, while providing comfort, adversely affects the environment. For instance! Energy-intensive appliances consume large amounts of electricity, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
In a scenario where the rapid pace of technology across various fields is so obvious, navigating the future thus gains all the more relevance in the present context.
