Key Facts
• July 8, 2025: Taxi drivers in Kandahar install rooftop coolers to combat heat.
• Temperatures in Kandahar exceed 40°C, prompting innovative cooling solutions.
• Rooftop coolers cost 3,000 Afghanis (~$63) and connect to car batteries and solar panels.
• Drivers report rooftop coolers outperform traditional car air conditioning.
• Afghanistan faces severe heatwaves and droughts due to climate change.
• Many Afghan cars lack built-in air conditioning, increasing demand for custom coolers.
• Rooftop coolers require regular water refills and solar panel maintenance.
• Passengers praise drivers for addressing extreme heat challenges effectively.
Summary
In Kandahar, Afghanistan, where summer temperatures surpass 40°C, taxi drivers have adopted rooftop coolers as a cost-effective alternative to traditional car air conditioning. These custom-made systems, priced at 3,000 Afghanis (~$63), are powered by car batteries and solar panels, providing widespread cooling inside vehicles. Drivers and passengers alike commend the innovation, noting its superior performance compared to standard air conditioning. Afghanistan, one of the world’s poorest nations, is highly vulnerable to climate change, with heatwaves and droughts worsening in recent years. The demand for rooftop coolers has surged, particularly as many vehicles in the region lack built-in air conditioning. Passengers have expressed gratitude for the drivers’ efforts to mitigate the harsh conditions, highlighting the ingenuity and resilience of local communities.
