Sweltering summers are turning air conditioning into a lifesaving necessity. Yet, as heatwaves intensify across the United States, millions of Americans simply can’t afford to keep cool.
In New Orleans, where sticky, humid weather dominates most of the year, doctors see the dangers of extreme heat firsthand. Jeffrey Elder, medical director for emergency management at University Medical Center New Orleans, says cases of heatstroke surge every summer.
“It could be someone who’s elderly who just doesn’t use the air conditioning, or can’t, or something’s broken,” Elder explains. “They are home alone and later found in an altered state of heatstroke.”
Children and older adults are particularly vulnerable, he adds, because their bodies struggle to regulate temperature effectively.
Air Conditioning as a Lifeline
Research shows that keeping indoor spaces cool with AC is one of the most effective ways to prevent overheating and heat-related illness. In cities like Detroit, air conditioning has been a critical defense during heatwaves. But for many Americans, it remains out of reach.
By the time heatstroke patients reach the emergency room, Elder says, it’s often a medical crisis. “Patients are usually in an altered mental state, some unconscious, with body temperatures of 103F (39.4C) or higher. The first course of action is to cool them down with ice baths.”
Rising Heat, Rising Risk
As climate change pushes global temperatures to new records, experts warn that longer, more frequent heatwaves are likely. Without reliable access to air conditioning, health risks will only grow.
According to a 2020 survey by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, nearly 34 million households—about a quarter of all U.S. homes at the time—experienced energy insecurity, meaning they couldn’t consistently afford basic utilities like cooling or heating.
A Growing Public Health Challenge
The link between energy costs, climate change, and health is becoming increasingly urgent. For families struggling with high bills, air conditioning can feel like a luxury, even as it becomes a vital shield against rising summer heat.
