In southern Afghanistan, ingenuity is riding shotgun.As temperatures in Kandahar cross 40°C, local taxi drivers are finding creative ways to survive the punishing heat. With factory-installed car ACs failing and repairs far too expensive, many have turned to a surprisingly effective solution: homemade rooftop air conditioners.
One driver, swears by his setup. “This works better than a regular AC,” he says. Another driver, paid about $43 to get a custom-built unit from a local technician. “Fixing the car’s AC was too costly. This cooler changed everything.”
Passengers are grateful too. In a country where the sun can feel like an enemy, these makeshift coolers are offering real relief. One rider even carries anti-heat medicine after a previous heat-related illness.
Local mechanics say they’ve been building these rooftop units for the past 2–3 years. What began with crude barrel coolers has now evolved into more refined designs.
But behind this story of innovation lies a deeper truth: Afghanistan is suffering one of its worst climate spells, with record heat and spreading drought. And yet, the country is excluded from global climate talks since the Taliban's return to power.
So, what we’re seeing isn’t just smart engineering—it’s a quiet act of survival.
In a world that often overlooks Afghanistan, these rooftop barrels are a sign that its people refuse to be ignored.
One cooler. One ride. One act of resilience at a time.
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