Cooling Paper

Deaths from extreme heat are rising globally as average temperatures rise. Getting air conditioning into more homes is one solution—but A/C uses a lot of electricity, which only contributes to the warming problem if that electricity comes from fossil fuels. Even in technologically developed countries like the US, a heatwave can overwhelm the electric grid and leave people to swelter with no power. Fortunately, Northeastern University professor Yi Zheng has a solution in mind—he’s tapping into the cooling properties of paper. (Segment produced by Abby Haralson)