Hong Kong migrants miss air conditioning in UK heatwave
A South China Morning Post opinion piece explores the experience of BN(O) migrants from Hong Kong adjusting to life in the UK, particularly missing air conditioning during a summer heatwave. The author recalls office thermostat disputes in Hong Kong and notes that over 90% of Hong Kong households have cooling, compared to nearly 90% in the US, and slightly higher rates in Japan and South Korea, per International Energy Agency data. The piece reflects on cultural and practical differences in home cooling.
Key facts
- BN(O) migrants from Hong Kong may miss air conditioning in the UK
- UK is experiencing a summer heatwave
- Author worked at South China Morning Post in Hong Kong
- Author's late boss Simon, who was British, did not have air conditioning at home in Hong Kong
- Nearly 9 in 10 US households have air conditioning
- Japan and South Korea have slightly higher rates than the US
- Over 90% of Hong Kong households have some type of cooling
- Data from International Energy Agency and other surveys
Entities
Institutions
- South China Morning Post
- International Energy Agency
Locations
- Hong Kong
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Japan
- South Korea