Not cool to be chilled at cost of environment

IN THE SUMMER OF 2007, the State Council, China's Cabinet, issued a notice demanding air-conditioned public buildings keep the indoor temperature not lower than 26 C in summer and not higher than 20 C in winter, and instructed that windows and doors be kept shut, so as to save energy and reduce emissions. Yet some shopping malls and department stores in Beijing keep their indoor temperature at such a low level, while keeping their doors open, that people shiver when they step inside. Beijing Youth Daily comments:

Since late last month when temperatures soared, electricity consumption in the capital has risen sharply because of the use of air conditioners.

The municipal government has called for companies and residents to save energy by keeping their indoor temperature at around 26 to 28 C, which is a comfortable and healthy temperature range.