Author Description

Southeast Asia is growing in every possible way. Addressing the electricity needs of the region's urban households is particularly relevant where cooling is concerned. Against the backdrop of the environmental impact of household electricity consumption and the history of cooling practices, Marlyne Sahakian explores current practices tied up with air-conditioning consumption, from sleeping at night, to caring for a child, or fashion. Housing trends are explored in depth, as certain 'west is best' styles may be locking in the need for artificially cooled air for years to come. General trends in the region will no doubt contribute to an increase in air-conditioning consumption, yet current consumption patterns are not homogenous: how people go about keeping cool, from Metro Manila to other mega-cities, varies greatly. Sahakian considers what the future might hold for keeping cool in one of the hottest regions of the world.