The biggest problem is that pretty much all construction methods and codes in the US have been made with extensive AC in mind. Plenty of places in the world where it gets really hot have developed architecture that mitigates the effects of higher temperatures, like higher ceilings or channeling airflow around central pools, but the US insists on building houses like everywhere is 1950s new jersey. Many houses would be unlivable 6 months of the year without AC. They need to be torn down and replaced with something less energy intensive
The biggest problem is that pretty much all construction methods and codes in the US have been made with extensive AC in mind. Plenty of places in the world where it gets really hot have developed architecture that mitigates the effects of higher temperatures, like higher ceilings or channeling airflow around central pools, but the US insists on building houses like everywhere is 1950s new jersey. Many houses would be unlivable 6 months of the year without AC. They need to be torn down and replaced with something less energy intensive
Tearing down and building new houses would probably cause significantly more carbon emissions within any reasonable time frame.
Yeah, that’s the catch-22. But those buildings are unlivable without ac or heating.