Fact Check: "Air conditioning averted 195,000 heat-related deaths globally in 2019."
What We Know
The claim that air conditioning averted 195,000 heat-related deaths globally in 2019 is a significant assertion that requires careful examination. As of now, there is no widely recognized study or report that provides a definitive figure for the number of lives saved by air conditioning in that specific year.
Heat-related deaths are a serious concern, particularly during extreme heat events, which have been increasing due to climate change. According to the World Health Organization, heatwaves can lead to increased mortality rates, especially among vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
While air conditioning is known to mitigate the effects of extreme heat, the specific claim of 195,000 lives saved lacks direct attribution to a credible source or study that quantifies this impact for the year 2019.
Analysis
The assertion that air conditioning averted 195,000 heat-related deaths appears to be an extrapolation rather than a conclusion drawn from empirical data. The sources available do not support this specific claim. For example, while studies have shown that air conditioning can reduce heat-related mortality, they often do not provide exact figures for a given year or global context.
A study published in the Environmental Research Letters discusses the role of air conditioning in reducing heat-related mortality but does not specify a number as high as 195,000 for any particular year. Furthermore, the reliability of sources that might make such claims is crucial; without peer-reviewed studies or reports from reputable organizations, the figure remains speculative.
Additionally, the context of climate change and urban heat islands suggests that while air conditioning plays a critical role in public health during heat waves, attributing a specific number of lives saved to its use requires rigorous data collection and analysis, which is currently lacking.
Conclusion
Verdict: Unverified
The claim that air conditioning averted 195,000 heat-related deaths globally in 2019 is unverified due to the absence of credible sources or empirical studies that substantiate this specific figure. While air conditioning is undoubtedly beneficial in preventing heat-related health issues, the exact impact in terms of lives saved remains unclear and unsupported by the current body of research.
