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In an increasingly heating world, air conditioning has become an essential technology. In fact, demand for it is expected to double by 2050. The problem is that air conditioning, while essential to cooling, is also contributing to the problem of global warming. So, are there any solutions? Angela Saini speaks to architects to look at how we became so dependent on this technology, and whether approaching buildings differently can help reduce our reliance on mechanical cooling. But what about when we really need air conditioning? Engineers explain what makes the technology so bad for the environment but also how it’s improving. Could a combination of traditional cooling techniques and ultra-futuristic technology be the answer? A visit to the Centre For Green Buildings and Cities at Harvard University helps us find out. Presenter: Angela Saini Producer: Margaret Sessa-Hawkins