As India grapples with longer, more frequent and more severe heatwaves, access to cooling remains out of reach for millions. In New Delhi, many households rely on the matka – a traditional clay pot that uses evaporation to keep water cool. It’s an affordable alternative for homes without refrigerators. The same centuries-old principle is now inspiring modern solutions such as CoolAnt, a terracotta-based cooling system that lowers air temperatures in interior spaces, using water and natural airflow. Supporters say such low-cost, energy-efficient technologies could help vulnerable communities adapt while reducing dependence on air conditioning.