Bonus: Cooling vests

Personal thermal management (PTM) offers a sustainable alternative to traditional air conditioning by cooling individuals directly rather than entire environments, significantly reducing global energy consumption. Researchers Ji Wenjie and Fu Ying from the Beijing Institute of Technology developed a modular cooling vest that integrates thermoelectric coolers, fans, and radiative cooling materials to combat extreme heat. Inspired by the physical challenges faced by frontline workers during the pandemic and the rising frequency of global heat waves, this wearable solution provides a practical, lightweight, and energy-efficient way to maintain comfort in harsh conditions. The design emphasizes portability and adaptability, with a long-term vision of implementing a public rental model similar to bike sharing. Future iterations aim to eliminate batteries by harvesting energy from human movement and temperature differentials, representing a shift toward self-powered, climate-adaptive technology that addresses both individual health and broader environmental sustainability.