Air-Conditioning Gives Us a False Sense of Security
By Jeff Goodell
Produced by Jillian Weinberger
The Northern Hemisphere is facing what will likely be another record-setting summer for heat. Parts of California are already under a heat dome with triple digit temperatures this week. In this audio essay, Jeff Goddell, the author of “The Heat Will Kill You First,” argues that air-conditioning has lulled parts of the world into feeling cool and safe as we hurtle toward a warmer future and more blackouts. “We are building a world that has this sword of Damocles hanging over us,” Goddell says.
(A full transcript of this audio essay will be available within 24 hours of publication in the audio player above.)
Credit…Illustration by The New York Times; photograph by Harold M. Lambert/Getty
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This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Jillian Weinberger. It was edited by Kaari Pitkin and Alison Bruzek. Mixing by Sonia Herrero. Original music by Isaac Jones and Sonia Herrero. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker. Audience strategy by Kristina Samulewski and Shannon Busta.
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