Cooling Emissions and Policy Synthesis Report
Introduction
Efficient and climate-friendly cooling is crucial for addressing climate and sustainable development challenges. Cooling is essential for protecting vulnerable populations from heatwaves, maintaining the viability of vaccines and food, and ensuring workforce productivity. As global temperatures rise due to climate change, cooling becomes increasingly vital.
Key Findings
- Current Cooling Appliances: An estimated 3.6 billion cooling appliances are in use globally, with a projected increase of up to 10 devices every second.
- Future Emissions: Without policy intervention, direct and indirect emissions from air conditioning and refrigeration are projected to rise 90% above 2017 levels by 2050.
- Air Conditioners: These devices use hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are extremely potent greenhouse gases, and require significant energy to operate.
Solutions
- Phasing Down HFCs: The Montreal Protocol's Kigali Amendment aims to reduce HFC refrigerants.
- Proven Policies: Minimum energy performance standards can significantly enhance efficiency.
- National Cooling Action Plans: Specific strategies tailored to national contexts.
- Integration into NDCs: Incorporating efficient cooling into Nationally Determined Contributions of the Paris Agreement.
- Transformative Initiatives: Programs like the Cool Coalition promote innovative solutions.
Benefits
- Slowing Global Warming: By reducing emissions from cooling.
- Improving Lives: Enhancing access to cooling for millions of people.
- Financial Savings: Achieving significant cost reductions through efficient cooling technologies.
Recommendations
- Investment in Recovery: Countries should use their investments in COVID-19 recovery to reduce climate change, protect nature, and mitigate future pandemics.
- Promote Sustainable Cooling: Implementing policies and initiatives that focus on efficient and climate-friendly cooling.
Conclusion
This report highlights the importance of efficient and climate-friendly cooling in achieving broader climate and sustainable development goals. By addressing the current and future impacts of cooling, policymakers and stakeholders can work towards a more equitable and sustainable future.
