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Transnational Transitions: The Diffusion and Integration of Mechanical Cooling

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  • Elizabeth Shove
  • Gordon Walker
  • Sam Brown

Abstract

In less than a generation, air conditioning has spread around the world, increasing energy consumption and producing demand where none existed before. How has this come about? This article asks whether transition theories (and the multilevel perspective as an exemplar) are of value in addressing this question and what other approaches might be developed. It is concluded that what seems to be the transnational diffusion of mechanical cooling is best understood as an outcome of multisited processes in which air conditioning is integrated into practices like those of office work, nursing, taking a luxury break or simply living at home. Rather than mapping diffusion across a stable terrain, this perspective argues for a more sophisticated interpretation of how mechanical cooling remakes practices and the places in which they are reproduced. This conclusion has implications for efforts to stem air conditioning and the energy demand associated with it.

Suggested Citation

  • Elizabeth Shove & Gordon Walker & Sam Brown, 2014. "Transnational Transitions: The Diffusion and Integration of Mechanical Cooling," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 51(7), pages 1506-1519, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:51:y:2014:i:7:p:1506-1519
    DOI: 10.1177/0042098013500084
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Coenen, Lars & Grillitsch, Markus & Hansen, Teis & Moodysson, Jerker, 2017. "An innovation system framework for system innovation policy: the case of Strategic Innovation Programs (SIPs) in Sweden," Papers in Innovation Studies 2017/8, Lund University, CIRCLE - Centre for Innovation Research.
    3. Jenny Pickerill, 2017. "Critically Interrogating Eco-Homes," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 41(2), pages 353-365, March.
    4. Grillitsch, Markus & Hansen, Teis & Coenen, Lars & Miörner, Johan & Moodysson, Jerker, 2019. "Innovation policy for system-wide transformation: The case of strategic innovation programmes (SIPs) in Sweden," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 48(4), pages 1048-1061.

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