Why is it in the news?

• The report demonstrates potential and pathways to achieve near-zero emissions from cooling.

More about the news

• Cooling systems contribute significantly to climate change, acting as a dual threat. Firstly, they escalate the demand for power, leading to increased carbon emissions. Secondly, the release of refrigerant gases from cooling equipment contributes to global warming.
• Emissions from cooling are projected to surpass 10% of global emissions by the year 2050.
• In 2022, a substantial 82% of global cooling-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions originated from G20 countries.
• If the current trajectory is maintained, the installed capacity of cooling equipment worldwide is expected to triple by 2050.
• The dual impact of increased power demand and the emission of refrigerant gases makes cooling a significant contributor to climate change.
• The anticipated emissions from cooling, exceeding 10% of global emissions by 2050, pose a serious challenge to climate change mitigation efforts.

Recommendations

• Implement passive strategies to mitigate extreme heat conditions, reducing the reliance on active cooling measures.
• Deploy strategies to decrease cooling demand in both buildings and the cold chain, emphasizing energy-efficient design and practices.
• Establish and enforce higher energy efficiency standards and norms for cooling equipment globally.
• Advocate for a faster phase-down of climate-warming hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants, surpassing the requirements set by the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol.
• The Global Cooling Pledge, issued with COP28, provides a strong political impetus for immediate actions. Encourages global efforts to reduce emissions, enhance passive cooling strategies, improve energy efficiency, and expedite the phase-down of HFCs.