Climate change is affecting us all. When the temperature goes up, many of us reach for the air conditioning. But that in itself is making things worse. AC units use a huge amount of electricity and most use hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants - also known as HFCs which contribute to climate change. The International Energy Agency says over the next three decades demand for air conditioning is set to soar. But what’s the alternative? We’ll hear from the Irish engineers who say they have the technology to revolutionise air conditioning and refrigeration by doing away with planet-warming HFC gases completely. And we’ll talk to one of Africa’s leading architects, Francis Kéré, about how he combines traditional materials with modern designs - removing the need for air conditioning completely in his native Burkina Faso. Plus we’ll hear from an American lawyer who helped craft the law in the US to keep in line with the international mandate to phase down refrigerant gases. He’ll tell us about alternatives to HFCs and how regulations have encouraged innovation. People Fixing The World from the BBC is about brilliant solutions to the world's problems. We'd love you to let us know what you think and to hear about your own solutions. You can contact us on WhatsApp by messaging +44 8000 321721 or email peoplefixingtheworld@bbc.co.uk. And please leave us a review on your chosen podcast provider. Presenter: Myra Anubi Producer/reporter: Claire Bowes Editor: Jon Bithrey
People Fixing.
People Fixing the World.
I'm Mayra Anubi, and this is People Fixing the World from the BBC World Service.
Now, this is a show with a difference, because every week we go against the grain and talk about positive things that are happening all around us.
As temperatures keep rising everywhere.
Today we'll be getting the hot take on ways to keep ourselves cool without warming the planet even more.
India, Nigeria, Brazil, Greece.
So many countries are starting to experience extreme heatwaves.
In fact, according to the un, this might be the hottest year on record, just like last year.
Now people are trying to stay cool.
And for those who can afford it, well, one of the most popular ways of doing this is by using air conditioning.
We turn on the AC and within minutes, it's much cooler.
And honestly, being able to control the temperature inside, houses, cars, schools, it's a big thing, but it's not the best thing.
Air conditioning is a problem.
You see, cooling the air inside actually heats the air outside.
And the warmer it is outside, the more we switch on the ac.
It's a visual cycle.
Plus, for some people, it's not even an option because it can be expensive and it takes a lot of power to run.
So today we'll be finding out about other ways people have found to help us stay cool.
And to start us off, we're heading to West Africa and specifically to Burkina Faso, a country located south of the Sahara desert.