The Cool Down

A Washington Examiner report argues that the growing strain AI places on data centers — power demand, cooling needs and land use — could eventually push computing infrastructure into orbit, where satellites would get continuous solar energy. The idea is gaining attention as AI companies face rising energy costs and grid constraints on Earth, though significant technical and cost hurdles remain before space-based data centers become realistic.

A wave of cooling is moving into Siberia, with forecasters warning that the last weekend of September will bring temperatures of up to +7°C and rain to Krasnoyarsk. The abrupt end to the mild weather is drawing attention as residents prepare for autumn's first real chill and discuss the sharp temperature drop.

Mortgage rates have climbed above 7%, renewing debate over the direction of the housing market. Higher borrowing costs are squeezing affordability for buyers and raising questions about whether home prices and sales activity will cool further. Commentators are weighing whether rates will stay elevated or ease, and what that means for buyers, sellers and the broader economy.

Mortgage rates in the United States have reached 7%, a level not seen in years, and the Wall Street Journal is examining what this means for homebuyers and the broader housing market. Higher borrowing costs are expected to strain affordability, potentially cooling home sales and putting pressure on prices as buyers and sellers adjust expectations.

A federal court ruling requires Texas to install air conditioning in its prisons by 2029. The decision follows years of complaints about extreme heat inside facilities, where temperatures can become dangerous during Texas summers. Officials will now need to fund and complete cooling upgrades across the state prison system within the court-imposed deadline.

South Korea's housing market is under scrutiny as prices continue to climb despite repeated government regulatory interventions. Commentators and market watchers are debating why measures intended to cool the market have failed to curb price growth, and what current trends mean for buyers and policymakers. The discussion reflects growing public concern over affordability and the effectiveness of real estate policy.

Swiss National Bank chairman Martin Schlegel said the central bank is in a comfortable situation regarding inflation, speaking in an interview with Swiss broadcaster SRF. The remarks suggest Swiss price pressures have eased enough that policymakers see no urgent need to act, reinforcing expectations that the SNB can hold its current monetary policy stance in the near term.

Chinese researchers have developed a paint that reportedly lowered wall temperatures by up to 25 degrees Celsius during summer testing, according to a report. The coating is being discussed as a potential tool for passive cooling of buildings, which could reduce air-conditioning demand and energy use in hot climates. Commenters are weighing how the results might translate from lab-style tests to real-world construction.

Roughly half of home sellers in the United States are now offering incentives to attract buyers, according to Fortune. Perks range from cruise packages to cash bonuses of up to $20,000, reflecting a cooling housing market where properties are sitting longer and buyers hold more negotiating power. The trend marks a notable shift from the pandemic-era seller's market.

The head of the UN Environment Programme says a lack of financing is the main obstacle to rolling out measures that help communities cope with extreme heat. As heatwaves intensify worldwide, solutions such as cooling centres, urban shade and early-warning systems exist but remain underfunded, and UNEP is urging greater investment to protect vulnerable populations.