Air Conditioning: Our Cross to Bear






About 5.5 percent of the gasoline burned annually by America's cars and light trucks -- 7 billion gallons -- goes to run air-conditioners. That's equivalent to the total oil consumption of Indonesia, a petroleum-rich country with a population size comparable to ours. Four states -- California, Arizona, Texas and Florida -- account for 35 percent of that extra fuel consumption Fifty-six percent of refrigerants worldwide are used for air-conditioning buildings and vehicles. North America, with 6 percent of the world's people, accounts for nearly 40 percent of its refrigerant market, as well as 43 percent of all refrigerants currently "banked" inside appliances and 38 percent of the resultant global-warming effects.

Finally, in counting costs, it's important to consider not only fuel and refrigerants but also the materials -- steel, copper, plastics and a lot more -- that have gone into building up the nation's colossal tonnage of air-conditioning capacity.








Click To Read

Comments

Anonymous said…
I recently watched Mythbusters where it was proven that driving with AC isn't as bad as driving with your windows down (drag). I can't specifically reference what date I saw this episode, but I thinkt he show has credibility and the information should be looked into.
1:50 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Choices For Sustainable Living

The Vermont Earth Institute is sponsoring a discussion group entitled " Choices For Sustainable Living" at the Education and Wellness Center at 78 South Main Street, Rutland, Vermont beginning at 7:00 P.M.on Tuesday evening September 28th. This discussion group is Free and open to everyone and will meet for 9 weeks from 7:00 to 8:30 PM on Tuesday evenings. For more information contact Mike O'Brien at 775-4340, 104. For discussion group readings go to the Vermont Earth Institute
Read more

Why the era of cheap food is over

Image
Christian Science Monitor Food prices worldwide hit record highs in 2006, and all the signs are that they will go on rising this year, and for the foreseeable future. The era of cheap food, the experts say, is over and we are going to have to get used to it. This is easier said than done for millions around the world, as evidenced by protests in Mexico over the cost of corn tortillas, and in Italy last September about the price of (wheat) pasta. Staff writer Peter Ford looks at why. Read more....
Read more

Climate Confusion: Who Wins?

Image
by Michael O'Brien Climate change is the biggest challenge we face as a humans. Any serious student who analyses the information recognizes that the overwhelming consensus from scientists is that we have a very small period of time in which our efforts will have a positive impact for our planet and our children's future. For the past 10 years or so, there has been rigorous debate both by the scientific community and in the press about climate change. The debate is over, the issues have been discussed and now is the time for us to take responsibility for our future. It is fascinating to watch the media feel the need to present the “other side” of this issue when there is discourse about climate change. My guess is that they feel vulnerable from the vocal skeptics or right wing talk show hosts so they include a dwindling number of scientists or spokespeople who argue against human causation. It seems there is an inordinate amount of air time devoted to this topic in proportion
Read more