The cooling divide: How air conditioning is creating a new climate inequality
As UK summers grow hotter, air conditioning use remains low but is concentrated among wealthier households and those living in urban areas like London, exacerbating existing health risks for older people, lone parents, and low-income renters.
Read source at Down To Earth →Mains Practice Question
Critically analyse the growing 'cooling divide' in UK society, considering both economic and geographic factors contributing to unequal access to air conditioning.
250 words
Practice this in the exam hall →Prelims Practice MCQs
Discuss the title of the article, highlighting how the use of air conditioning reflects a changing perception of climate adaptation in the UK.
- A.Air conditioning is seen as a luxury item for wealthy households only.
- B.The UK's approach to climate change has shifted from viewing air conditioning as unnecessary to recognizing its importance for health and productivity.
- C.People have always viewed air conditioning as something that belongs elsewhere, not in their homes.
- D.Air conditioning is now widely used across all regions of the UK due to increased affordability.
The article states that while historically people viewed air conditioning as a luxury item for wealthy households, it is now being seen as important for health and productivity.
Which region of the UK has the lowest levels of residential air conditioning use?
- A.London
- B.Northern regions
- C.East Midlands
- D.South-East
The article states that Northern regions remain much less likely to use cooling compared to other areas.
How many times more likely are the highest income group to own air conditioning compared to the lowest income group, as reported in the article?
- A.Twice
- B.Three times
- C.Four times
- D.Five times
The article states that households in the highest income group are more than twice as likely to own air conditioning.