Thailand’s Heat Deaths Highlight Increasing Importance of Air Conditioning in the Face of Rising Heat-Related Fatalities

By Eric Qin

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As reported in EFE, April and early May of this year witnessed unprecedented heat across Thailand. Temperatures soared to 44.2°C in Lampang, nearing the all-time high of 44.6°C, while Bangkok experienced temperatures approaching 40°C for several consecutive days. The extreme heat significantly exacerbated the risk of heat-related illnesses, particularly in regions already vulnerable due to their geographical and socio-economic conditions. The northeastern rural region of Thailand, where 33 deaths were recorded, suffered the most. This was followed by 13 deaths in the central region and 10 in the north, underscoring the disproportionate impact on specific areas of the country. With a total of 61 deaths from heat stroke already recorded this year—nearly double the total for all of 2023—it is evident that extreme temperatures are becoming more frequent and severe. 

The rising number of heat-related deaths in Thailand and neighboring countries underscores the essential role of air conditioning in safeguarding public health. As global temperatures continue to rise, air conditioning is no longer a luxury but necessary for many regions facing extreme heat. Air conditioning can significantly reduce the risk of heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses by maintaining a cool indoor environment. This is particularly important for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, young children, and those with preexisting health conditions. A cool indoor space can differentiate between life and death during extreme heat events.

The demographic most affected by this deadly Thailand heat wave were middle-aged or elderly men, particularly those working outdoors in agriculture and construction. This highlights the increased vulnerability of outdoor workers to extreme heat, as they are often exposed to harsh conditions for prolonged periods. For outdoor workers in sectors like agriculture and construction, access to air-conditioned rest areas can provide critical relief from the heat, reducing the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Employers should prioritize the creation of such spaces to ensure the safety and well-being of their employees. This protects workers, enhances productivity, and reduces absenteeism due to heat-related health issues. 

According to the National Library of Medicine, hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities must be adequately equipped with air conditioning to handle the influx of patients during heat waves. This ensures that medical staff can work efficiently in a comfortable environment and that patients receive proper care without the added stress of extreme heat. A well-cooled healthcare facility can significantly improve patient outcomes during heat emergencies.

Beyond health benefits, air conditioning improves overall quality of life by providing a comfortable living and working environment. This can boost productivity in workspaces, improve sleep quality in people’s homes, and enhance general well-being for everyone, especially during prolonged periods of high temperatures. A cool and comfortable environment is essential for maintaining physical and mental health during heat waves. In urban areas, the widespread use of air conditioning can help counteract the urban heat island effect, where cities experience higher temperatures than their rural surroundings due to human activities and infrastructure. By cooling indoor spaces, air conditioning can reduce the overall heat load in urban environments, making cities more livable during extreme heat events.

As the IFRC has reported jointly with the UN OCHA and the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, heat waves are expected to become more frequent, intense, and deadly in the future due to the ongoing climate crisis. This will likely exceed human, psychological, and social limits in many regions, including the Sahel, the Horn of Africa, and South Asia. Therefore, governments, businesses, and individuals must invest in air conditioning and other cooling technologies to protect against the escalating threat of extreme heat. 

While air conditioning is vital for protecting against extreme heat, it also contributes to global warming by increasing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The electricity needed for air conditioning often comes from fossil fuels, which exacerbates climate change. Additionally, air conditioners release heat into the environment, worsening urban heat islands and creating a feedback loop that drives further demand for cooling. The widespread use of harmful refrigerants and the environmental impact of manufacturing and disposing of air conditioning units add to the problem. However, we still need the cooling technologies in order to make human lives functional and even possible, so we can make efforts to also cool the environment in other ways besides just dependency on air conditioning technology. According to the UN Environment Programme, planting trees and creating a better and cooler environment for cities, also transpires water and reduces the temperature by 1 degree Celsius. Coupled with air conditioning, we can cool our environments to a liveable standard with a holistic strategy. 

The tragic rise in heat-related deaths in Thailand serves as a stark reminder of the growing dangers posed by climate change. As temperatures continue to rise, the importance of air conditioning cannot be overstated. It is a vital tool in preventing heat-related illnesses, protecting vulnerable populations, supporting public health infrastructure, and improving overall quality of life. Proactive measures to increase access to air conditioning and enhance cooling infrastructure will be crucial in safeguarding communities against the deadly impacts of extreme heat.