Burning Summer and Frozen Future, The Path of Cooling We Must Choose

Warnings of heatwaves in the summer of 2025

The summer of 2025 is an event in itself. The midday sun no longer symbolizes abundance, but approaches as a threat to survival. Unprecedented heat waves sweep across the globe, warning us that we are walking on a precarious tightrope between human civilization and the balance of nature. As if nature has finally lost its patience, this hot season poses a question to us: 'Now, how shall we live?' It was a foreseen future. For decades, science has not remained silent, and nature has been sending signals. However, humanity, in the name of development, has tightened the Earth's breath while chasing the illusion of convenience and growth. As a result, we now stand at the threshold of a fundamental change that alters the very conditions for the survival of our civilization, not merely experiencing 'heat.'

The Necessity of Air Conditioning and Its Paradox

Cooling is no longer a choice but a necessity. However, this necessity carries another paradox. The more we chase coolness, aren't we making the Earth hotter? The paradox of heat waves: the vicious cycle of cooling demand and climate change. During this period of prolonged heat waves, the demand for cooling devices is increasing along a dazzling curve. According to a report by the International Energy Agency, global electricity consumption is projected to rise by more than 4% annually from 2024 to 2025, with about one-fifth of that coming from cooling devices. Air conditioners have become tools for survival, and refrigerators are now sanctuaries on hot nights. However, the power they consume produces greenhouse gases, which in turn provoke more heat. The Earth is now becoming a hot prison due to the survival tool of cooling.

International Efforts for the Survival of the Earth

To break this vicious cycle, the world is slowly moving. The "Global Cooling Pledge" aims to reduce cooling-related greenhouse gases by 68% by 2050. It is a new attempt by humanity to make cooling technology a key to sustainability rather than a major contributor to environmental destruction. This effort is meaningful not only as a reflection on past mistakes but also as a manifestation of hope for the future. Countries are improving cooling technologies through new policies and actively seeking more eco-friendly methods. Technological innovation is essential to combat climate change, and this innovation requires initial investment and sustained attention.

Advancements in Smart Cooling Technology

Hope begins with technology. Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics have embedded an intelligent brain called artificial intelligence into traditional cooling appliances. Smart cooling devices that save energy, learn from users' lifestyles, and provide greater comfort with less consumption are now creating a quiet revolution. Air conditioners are no longer just machines that lower the temperature. They are evolving into 'thinking machines' that understand users' daily routines, analyze external temperature and humidity, and operate only when truly necessary. Energy savings have become a consideration provided by technology, rather than an inconvenience.

Changes in Consumption and the Circular Economy

LG's air conditioner subscription service demonstrates a different direction. It emphasizes use rather than ownership and sustainable circulation rather than temporary purchases. This shift in consumption is a strong signal that a fundamental transformation of cooling culture is possible. When people start using cooling devices in this way, it can contribute to reducing overall energy consumption. Such a change in consumption patterns is an important factor that leads to changes in behavior not just for individuals but for society as a whole. It is crucial for companies to responsibly produce cooling devices and provide users with opportunities to make sustainable choices.

Human Attitudes and Overcoming the Climate Crisis

However, technology alone is not enough. What is needed to overcome the climate crisis is a change in human attitude. We must now plant the seeds of change in our daily lives. Moderating the use of air conditioning, maintaining appropriate temperatures, and respecting natural ventilation and green spaces may not be grand gestures, but they are crucial practices. The roles of governments and businesses are also critical. Air conditioning systems powered by renewable energy, the creation of green spaces to mitigate urban heat islands, and architectural designs that consider natural ventilation and daylighting are all cornerstones of a sustainable community that we build together.

The Future Created by Everyone's Choices

When technology, policy, and human consciousness come together, we will be able to build a 'sustainable cooling ecosystem.' Ultimately, the choice is ours. Heat waves are not just weather. They are the voice of nature and the final warning to humanity. The way we choose to cool ourselves is not merely a choice for alleviating heat. It is a civilizational choice that determines what kind of civilization we will create and what kind of world we will pass on to future generations. What we need now is the power of small actions. The consideration of turning off a light switch, the thoughtful habit of setting the air conditioner to 26 degrees, the willingness to cover the city in green. When these come together, humanity can once again join hands with nature. The small choices we make in this moment will create a day when the winds blow again on our burning planet.