Greener ways to keep cool

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 reduce the harm caused by refrigerant gases. He’ll tell us about alternatives to HFCs and how regulations have encouraged innovation.

Presenter: Myra Anubi
Producer/reporter: Claire Bowes
Editor: Jon Bithrey

(Image: Leo Health Centre, Burkina Faso)