B.C. planners and policy analysts say the benefits of air conditioners during extreme heat situations are very clear — and concerns over their environmental and financial impact show misplaced priorities.
During last year’s deadly heat dome in B.C., authorities found over two-thirds of the 619 people that died did not have air conditioning in their homes.
With extreme heat events more likely in future due to climate change, advocates are asking the province to provide vulnerable people with air conditioning units.
Data shows air conditioner use is already on the rise in B.C., leading to an associated energy and emissions toll — including one instance of the province’s public housing authority switching off cooling in some of its properties to save energy.
