Keeping Cool in Southeast Asia

Against the backdrop of the environmental impact of household electricity consumption and the history of cooling practices, Marlyne Sahakian considers how people keep cool, from Metro Manila to other mega-cities in Southeast Asia.

'This book represents a tour de force of interdisciplinary applied research. Dr Sahakian investigates energy use practices in the rising nations of Southeast Asia and uncovers startling insights and necessary proposals for tackling the conundrum of providing "comfort" for all in the age of climate change.' - Julia Steinberger, University of Leeds, UK

'Focusing on four Asian cities, this book uses an innovative practice theory approach to interrogate a lurking but largely neglected climate-related threat the growth in urban air-conditioning. The findings form a solid basis for an urgently needed public debate on the future of indoor thermal comfort and for guarded optimism on the potential for less energy-intensive cooling options.' - Harold Wilhite, University of Oslo, Norway

'While concerns about unsustainable consumption first emerged in Europe and North America, it is apparent that Asia will be at the center of future efforts to adapt consumer practices to biophysical realities. Because of its simultaneous connections to both physical comfort and social status, air-conditioning will be an especially salient regional issue. Keeping Cool in Southeast Asia is a timely and important study of the untoward interactions between societal aspirations and modern technologies.' - Maurie J. Cohen, New Jersey Institute of Technology, USA

Autorentext
Marlyne Sahakian is a Research Associate in the Industrial Ecology Group at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland. She has carried out research primarily in the Philippines, with a focus on sustainable consumption practices and patterns. She has published on consumption, development, energy use and the solidarity economy.

Inhalt

1. Introduction 2. Energy Consumption and Cooling in Southeast Asia 3. Cooling Histories, Habits and Variations 4. Cooling our Colliding Practices 5. When 'West is Best' for Housing 6. Opportunities for Change through Social Learning 7. Conclusion: 'The Future is Already Here'