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Episode details

Radio 4,03 Jul 2026,53 mins

Is air conditioning irresponsible?

AntiSocial

Available for over a year

The recent record-breaking heatwave prompts calls for more air conditioning in the UK, but some argue this could actually make the planet even hotter and obscures the reality of climate change. We find out how and why AC has become such a hot topic and hear what impact it has on climate change. Some say aircon should be a last resort - we hear what other measures people can adopt to keep their homes cooler. And we look back to the long, hot summer of 1976 and find out whether the UK really did just keep calm and carry on. Presenter: Chris Warburton Production team: Simon Tulett, Lucy Sheppard, and Mhairi MacKenzie Studio manager: Hal Haines Production coordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Penny Murphy

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