The problem of global energy inequity, explained by American refrigerators
My refrigerator — that appliance humming in the background that I rarely think about — consumes about 450 kilowatt-hours of energy (kWh) every year. A highly efficient air conditioner uses 483 kWh per year, and even more if the system is older or less efficient.
Chances are, though, kilowatt-hours don’t mean a lot to you. To help put it into perspective, consider this chart:
Let’s spell this out. In any given year, the average refrigerator or air conditioner in the US consumes much more energy than an average person…