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Climate Change and Heatwaves: How to Create a Cooler Atmosphere Without Air Conditioning

Summer is the best time of year for traveling in Greece and for its tourism industry. Visitors from all around the world are drawn to the natural beauty of our country, as well as its mild and cool climate. However, in recent years, climate change has brought extreme weather conditions, including prolonged periods of heatwaves and droughts, disrupting the country’s environment. The climate in Greece is changing making the living conditions challenging for tourists and locals alike.

But how can we cope with these extreme weather conditions caused by climate change, especially during the summer? How can we keep our surroundings cool without resorting to air conditioning?

While air conditioning may seem like the obvious solution to cooling indoor spaces, it is not the most environmentally friendly option. Its high energy consumption and subsequent carbon dioxide emissions create a vicious cycle. Notably, according to international research, from 2018 to 2050, cooling is projected to account for the largest share of global energy consumption!

So, are there alternative methods for cooling? Absolutely!

The temperature inside buildings depends on factors such as construction design, layout and material choices. Carefully designed buildings with well-insulated doors and windows can reduce cooling losses and prevent excess heat from entering.

Beyond construction specifications, you can maintain a cooler environment by using natural materials and fabrics that have better cooling properties, such as stone and cotton. Curtains, shades, and shutters, when closed during the hottest part of the day, prevent heat from entering the space, and when opened in conjunction with windows at night, facilitate temperature reduction. Another good practice is to replace incandescent bulbs with LED lights that don’t produce heat. Finally, having plants both indoors and outdoors is an ideal solution, as they create natural shading and improve air circulation.

In conclusion, there are several options for addressing high temperatures. You have the option to cool your space in a sustainable manner, without significantly increasing energy costs while keeping carbon dioxide emissions low. To sum up, it is obvious that adopting a sustainable approach can offer multiple benefits, both environmentally and economically.