What if the Rest of the World Used as Much Air Conditioning as Americans?

We love our air conditioning in the U.S. The amenity is more common in American homes – 87 percent of us have either central air or window units – than dishwashers, garages, or dining rooms. All told, U.S. households demand more energy for air conditioning than the rest of the world combined.

Part of this has to do with climate (it's simply inhumane to rent an apartment to anyone in Miami, Atlanta or Houston without providing central A/C). But the bulk of that statistic really has to do with wealth. Air conditioning is a luxury for economies that can afford it. And as the standard of living rises in developing countries, particularly those in some much hotter parts of the world, global demand for the kind of A/C Americans have long enjoyed will skyrocket.