Heatwaves create 'vicious cycle' of emissions through surge in air conditioning use

In the hottest regions of all, cooling can account for over 70% of electricity peak demand. 

Suffocating heat across the world has led to a surge in the use of air conditioning—creating a "vicious cycle" of greenhouse gas emissions through increased electricity demand.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) said that "with electricity prices still elevated in many regions as a result of the global energy crisis, people are also feeling the heat in their pockets", as it spelled out the consumer, as well as health, costs of the current global heatwave.