Afghan Taxi Drivers Beat the Heat

In the scorching city of Kandahar, Afghanistan, taxi drivers have come up with an ingenious solution to beat the intense heat. With temperatures regularly soaring above 40°C (104°F), these resourceful drivers have created their own air cooling systems using large barrels and exhaust tubes mounted on their taxi roofs.

The need for this innovation arose because the built-in air conditioning units in their cars frequently malfunction. Abdul Bari, one of the taxi drivers, explains that their homemade coolers are more effective than traditional AC systems. "This cooler spreads air throughout the car," he says, noting that it only requires refilling with water twice a day.

This creative solution has been well-received by passengers, who find relief from the oppressive heat. The drivers' ingenuity is particularly crucial in Afghanistan, one of the world's poorest countries and among the most vulnerable to climate change impacts. As temperatures continue to rise, these handmade coolers provide a much-needed respite for both drivers and passengers alike.