EPISODE · Apr 22, 2017 · 9 MIN

Air Conditioning

from 50 Things That Made the Modern Economy · host BBC World Service

Tim Harford tells the surprising story of air conditioning which was invented in 1902 to counter the effects of humidity on the printing process. Over the following decades “aircon” found its way into our homes, cars and offices. But air conditioning is much more than a mere convenience. It is a transformative technology; one that has had a profound influence on where and how we live. Producer: Ben Crighton Editors: Richard Knight and Richard Vadon(Image: Air conditioning vent, Credit: Dorason/Shutterstock)