Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significant disparity in air conditioning (AC) availability across different regions in China, particularly highlighting the recent surge in demand for AC units in Northeast China due to unprecedented high temperatures. It emphasizes the role of China's robust power system in supporting this demand and the broader implications for infrastructure and consumer behavior in a warming climate [1][8][50]. Group 1: Air Conditioning Availability and Demand - Northeast China has a notably low average air conditioning ownership, with only 56.8 units per 100 households, compared to 218.8 units in Zhejiang [3][20]. - The recent heatwave has led to a dramatic increase in AC sales, with sales in Heilongjiang and Jilin provinces seeing year-on-year growth of 817.68% and 788.4%, respectively [11][10]. - The overall AC market during the "618" shopping festival reached sales of 485 billion yuan, with a 16.3% year-on-year increase [10][12]. Group 2: Consumer Behavior and Market Trends - Consumers are increasingly seeking high-efficiency and smart features in air conditioning units, with a significant rise in demand for models priced above 4,500 yuan [13][29]. - The installation of AC units has surged, with installation orders increasing by 300% year-on-year, highlighting the challenges faced by installation teams [16][18]. - The article notes that the average household in China now owns approximately 1.5 AC units, with total AC ownership exceeding 700 million units nationwide [25][26]. Group 3: Global Perspective on Air Conditioning - In comparison to China, the air conditioning penetration in the U.S. and Japan is around 90%, while in Europe, it remains low, with countries like the UK and Germany having less than 5% penetration [31][36]. - The article points out that despite rising temperatures in Europe, the high costs of purchasing and installing AC units, along with expensive electricity, hinder widespread adoption [36][37]. - China's air conditioning exports to Europe have increased by 31.5% in early 2025, indicating a growing demand for AC units in response to climate change [39][41]. Group 4: Power Supply and Infrastructure - The article highlights that China's power grid has successfully managed record electricity demands, with a peak load of 14.65 billion kilowatts, primarily driven by air conditioning usage [44][45]. - The efficiency of China's ultra-high voltage power transmission system allows for rapid electricity distribution across vast distances, supporting the increased demand for cooling [48][49]. - The article concludes that the ability to provide cooling in the face of climate change is a testament to national strength, social collaboration, and technological innovation [51][52].