The hidden climate cost of refrigerants in air conditioners and heat pumps
By
Emma Bryce
The bagel they save for the regulars. Don't skim, savour.
Summary
This article examines the hidden climate cost of refrigerants used in air conditioning and heat pumps. While these cooling technologies are essential for protecting human health amid rising global temperatures—especially in urban areas of the Global South—and heat pumps can help replace fossil-fuel boilers, the refrigerant chemicals they rely on pose a significant climate risk if they leak. Experts interviewed by Dialogue Earth support the rollout of cooling technology but warn that the climate impact of refrigerant emissions must be addressed.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledCooling is increasingly vital to safeguard human health – especially in urban environments in the Global South – and heat pumps can also aid the fight against climate change, often by replacing fossil-fuelled boilers.
No expert Dialogue Earth spoke to is opposed to their roll out, but some researchers worry there may be a hidden cost to the advance.
These technologies rely on refrigerant chemicals, which, if they e
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