Can India be cool?
India must both promote and prepare for a surge in air-conditioners
MORE EXTREME, less liveable heat is inevitable for India. Last year was the hottest ever recorded there, with some places seeing temperatures in excess of 50°C. Ten of the country’s 15 warmest years on record have occurred in the past decade and a half. Extreme heat will sap productivity, slow economic growth, lower wages and raise health-care costs. An India that cannot stay cool cannot get rich.
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This article appeared in the Asia section of the print edition under the headline “India’s future is air-conditioned ”
From the May 31st 2025 edition
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