text: what are the benefits and the difficulties with widespread use of air conditoning?   it uses buttloads of energy during the same time of day, putting a huge burden on energy companies and the environment.  it also puts cfcs and hcfcs in the air which deplete our ozone layer and cause increased skin cancer, kill off marine life, and more.  americans air condition too much.  in countries like puerto rico, the ambient air tempurature is very hot, but the buildings are nice and cool without air conditioning.  this is because of intelligent building design - shaded windows, operable windows which pull the hot air out, etc.