As Britain reels from Europe's worst ever heatwave, many households are seriously considering air conditioning for the first time. Leftists have often criticized AC, citing cheaper, ecological alternatives. However, with decades of underinvestment leaving the UK unprepared for further heatwaves, it is time to rethink the progressive position on air conditioning.
Efficiency and Strategic Use
Fundamental to any leftwing air-conditioning policy must be efficiency. Currently, air con in Britain is installed inefficiently, household-by-household with no economies of scale. Much of the technology is ingenious, but used in isolation, it can become extremely wasteful. Cooling air without also preventing it from heating up again is like running a bath with the plug out.
Many British homes overheat due to lack of insulation and outside shading. One neighbour recorded a 17.8C difference between internal temperatures of unshaded and shaded windows. Without first cooling windows, installing AC would waste money. Moreover, AC units are prone to malfunction during prolonged heatwaves.
When AC Is Sensible
In specific situations, external shading may not be enough during peak heat. Using moderate AC in addition to, not as a substitute for, lower-emissions cooling methods is sensible. Smith Mordak, former CEO of the UK Green Building Council, says: 'Individual air-con units are the bottled water of urban cooling. What we need instead are the equivalent of mains water solutions: shared, available for all, and transformative for public health.'
Public Transport and Equity
Public transport is a perfect example of good strategic AC use. It is not possible to clamp awnings to trains or buses, but without comfortable public transit, cities suffer. The left should call for more AC on public transport. The fact that most London buses lack cooling while almost all private taxis have it is a severe misallocation of resources.
AC systems are analogous to cars. Deployed well with regulation and in concert with other measures, cars are brilliant. Unleashed without oversight, they degrade cities. Similarly, strategic AC could be emancipatory. Only if we continue today's market-led AC bonanza without serious plans for equitable distribution will it exacerbate inequality and climate breakdown.
Jobs and Public Ownership
Dealing with extreme heat represents an engine for new skilled jobs and state enterprise. The French government holds major stakes in energy, transport, and communications. As temperatures rise, cooling systems become fundamental infrastructure. Leftists should demand public ownership of the cooling sector to prevent corporate profiteering.
Licensing also has a role. There are no serious restrictions on AC installation beyond affordability. Rich households can install and run AC without regard for neighbours or climate. At minimum, rules should require lower-emissions cooling strategies before granting an AC permit.
Mix of Tactics
The solution to overheating is not AC alone. We need a mix of tactics: tree planting, external shading, insulation upgrades, heat networks, and cross-ventilation. Deploying AC on its own would be disastrous. However, alongside other measures, it has a key role. The progressive position should not be whether to use AC outright, but where, how, and alongside which infrastructure upgrades will make the most positive impact.
