As extreme summer temperatures grip southern Afghanistan, a unique sight has caught the world’s attention, Afghan taxi drivers air coolers built by hand. In the scorching heat of Kandahar, where the temperature often exceeds 40°C (104°F), taxi drivers are turning to their own inventive solutions.
With traditional air-conditioning units inside vehicles frequently breaking down, these drivers have come up with a cheaper and more reliable alternative. Large barrels, plastic pipes, and sticky tape are now common features on the roofs and windows of many taxis. These makeshift systems are known locally as “coolers” and are used to circulate air throughout the car.
Abdul Bari, a taxi driver in Afghanistan, told reporters that his handmade setup works better than a regular air conditioner.
“ACs only cool the front. This cooler spreads air throughout the car,” he explained, proudly showing off his invention.
In a recent video shared by a news agency, Bari is seen attaching a small exhaust pipe to his taxi window with tape, while another man helps secure the cooler unit to the roof. The cooler, filled with water, blows air into the car, offering some relief from the punishing heat. However, Bari noted that he has to refill the water twice a day, a small price for staying cool on the road.
The trend has sparked attention across the region and beyond. It offers a rare moment of creativity and resilience in a country facing economic hardship and extreme weather. Afghanistan is one of the poorest countries in the world and is highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Rising temperatures and lack of reliable infrastructure have forced citizens to adapt in innovative ways.
This air taxi drama also highlights how daily life in Afghanistan is shaped by climate challenges. For taxi drivers in Afghanistan, this is more than just about comfort. Staying cool while driving all day is essential for health and safety.
As the heatwave continues and temperatures are expected to rise further in the coming weeks, more drivers may adopt these self-made cooling systems. The trend of Afghan taxi drivers air coolers could become a lasting symbol of how ordinary people confront extraordinary climate challenges with limited means.
While the world debates climate policy, on the streets of Kandahar, everyday citizens are already taking action, one handmade cooler at a time.
