More than 10,000 schools nationwide lack air conditioning, according to the Center for Climate Integrity. And with soaring temps across the midwest and East Coast, some schools are releasing students early or closing altogether this week.

And it’s leaving some people without the electricity to power a fan or air conditioner during intense heat waves.

They help when the sun isn’t shining and the wind isn’t blowing but everyone’s AC is on full blast.

The lights and the AC are on in offices and living rooms, challenging energy systems amid record temperatures.

Nearly 40% of U.S. electricity is generated by natural gas, so when millions of air conditioners are turned on, prices rise.

There are many more laws and programs to help low-income people stay warm in the winter than cool in the summer.

Some schools are using their COVID relief funds to upgrade heating and cooling systems, including installing air conditioning.

The climate crisis has made it a necessity.

Air conditioning makes individuals cooler, but the planet hotter. Writer Eric Dean Wilson explores that paradox in his new book.

Nonprofit Climate Central estimates that home air conditioning use will increase almost 60% over the next 30 years.