In the scorching streets of Kandahar, southern Afghanistan, local taxi drivers are turning to inventive solutions to beat the brutal summer heat as temperatures routinely climb beyond 40°C (104°F). With conventional air-conditioning systems frequently malfunctioning and repair costs proving too high, drivers are now equipping their vehicles with handmade rooftop air coolers fashioned from barrels, pipes, and exhaust tubes.

These improvised cooling units, mounted on the roofs of taxis, are designed to circulate air throughout the vehicle rather than just the front seats, offering a more effective respite for both drivers and passengers. Abdul Bari, a taxi driver in Kandahar, told AFP news agency that his makeshift device performs better than the car’s built-in AC. "ACs only cool the front. This cooler spreads air throughout the car," he explained. A video from AFP shows Bari taping an exhaust vent to his taxi’s window while an assistant installs the cooler on the roof.

Despite requiring manual refills of water twice daily, Bari says the system works efficiently for his needs. Gul Mohammad, another driver, adopted a similar setup years ago as summer temperatures began to intensify. He said that he had a custom cooler made by a technician for 3,000 Afghanis (approximately $43). "These cars' AC systems didn't work, and repairs were too expensive," he added.

Passengers, too, are supportive of the initiative. Nineteen-year-old Norullah shared how difficult travel becomes without such coolers, especially during intense heat waves. "I even carry an anti-heat medicine with me," he said, noting that he once required an intravenous drip due to heat illness.

Afghanistan, already one of the poorest nations in the world, is among the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. From April to June this year, the country recorded its hottest spring on record. A prolonged drought, devastating agricultural livelihoods across the country, has compounded the crisis. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization warned last week of severe consequences as rural areas continue to struggle.

Adding to the challenge is Afghanistan’s exclusion from global climate negotiations following the Taliban's takeover in August 2021. With no formal representation in United Nations climate discussions, the country's ability to respond to the growing threat of climate change remains limited.

As the heat intensifies in the coming weeks, the resilience and creativity of local communities, like the taxi drivers of Kandahar, reflect the harsh realities and adaptive spirit of a population facing one of the most pressing climate emergencies in the world.