Tackling Severe Heat in South Asia: 5 Eco-Friendly Strategies for Relief

In the sweltering heat of summer, innovative cooling solutions are making a difference in India and other countries battling rising temperatures. From geothermal air-conditioning to passive cooling methods, these eco-friendly approaches are proving to be efficient and cost-effective.

GeoAirCon, a Pakistani company, is one such pioneer in sustainable cooling. Using the stable temperature below the Earth's surface, GeoAirCon cools homes with geothermal air-conditioning. This system, which has been installed in 12 large buildings in Pakistan, is twice as efficient in cooling as the most efficient conventional air-conditioning system. Moreover, a GeoAirCon system costs USD 260-460 to install and can cost five times less to run than a conventional air-conditioning unit. GeoAirCon was the runner up for the 2021 Ashden Award for Cooling in Informal Settlements, highlighting the importance of sustainable cooling, especially in densely populated areas.

Another innovator in the field is CBalance, an Indian consultancy that recycles plastic into insulation boards and heat-control systems. These solutions prevent heat absorption and reduce indoor temperatures, making them an effective alternative to conventional air-conditioning.

Meanwhile, Mahila Housing Trust, an Indian not-for-profit organization, provides women with advice on how to cool their homes using low-cost, passive cooling methods. One such method is evaporative cooling, which uses evaporated water to cool air, potentially reducing the need for conventional air-conditioning by 40%. The organization received the Ashden Award in 2021 for efficient cooling in informal settlements, promoting a passive cooling solution suitable for rural areas with no electricity and limited resources.

The Ashden Awards also recognised the importance of sustainable cooling in urban areas. The Hanoi City Master Plan 2030 in Vietnam aims to prevent heat build-up throughout the city by using ventilation corridors of green and blue space as part of its commitment to be net zero by 2050. Another project by CBalance promotes passive cooling design and ventilation, fostering cooperation between architects and urban communities through its Fairconditioning programme.

Unfortunately, the benefits of these sustainable cooling solutions come at a time when the world is facing a climate crisis. Research published by Climate Action Tracker shows that if the new pledges by world governments at COP26 are achieved, the global temperature would still rise by more than 2.4C this century. With a 2C global temperature rise, a billion people will be affected by extreme heat stress. Even at 1.5C of global warming, deadly heat stress could become common across South Asia.

In India, the mercury levels hit 44C in April, the highest in 74 years in Karachi. In July, New Delhi recorded its highest temperature in 90 years at 43.6 degrees Celsius. As the world grapples with these record-breaking temperatures, innovative and sustainable cooling solutions like those mentioned above are more important than ever.

In conclusion, sustainable cooling solutions are proving to be effective and cost-efficient alternatives to conventional air-conditioning. As the world faces the challenge of climate change, the adoption of these solutions can help mitigate the effects of rising temperatures, particularly in densely populated urban areas and rural communities with limited resources.