Heat,Health and Inequality: Access to Cooling Equipment in India

Abstract

Rapid increases in extreme heat across India are driving urgent demand for household cooling, which is critical for health, productivity and dignity. While fans are widely used, access to air conditioners (ACs) and coolers remains highly unequal, concentrated in urban and wealthier populations. Our analysis of National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data also shows significant inter-state variation in the cooling divide. India’s increasing dependence on energy-intensive cooling raises significant challenges, including higher electricity demand, exacerbation of urban heat islands, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Policies need to enable equitable access to cooling while managing energy demand. While India has been tightening AC efficiency standards, policymakers should monitor that higher efficiency might inadvertently lead to greater total usage. In the short term, policies should expand affordable access to efficient fans and coolers to mitigate immediate heat risks. Over the long term, systemic solutions such as urban greening, improved building codes, better ventilation and cool roofs are necessary to reduce dependence on mechanical cooling. These measures support both equity and sustainability objectives and should be central to India’s public health and climate policy agendas. To balance public health needs and climate commitments, bridging access while decarbonising the energy grid and redesigning urban environments will be essential.