UNEP Report on Sustainable Cooling

A new report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) suggests that implementing measures for sustainable practices in the global cooling sector could significantly reduce predicted 2050 greenhouse gas emissions by 60%.

Critical Role of the Cooling Sector

The cooling sector, responsible for 20% of electricity use, plays a crucial role in addressing rising temperatures, ensuring food quality, maintaining vaccine stability, and sustaining productive economies. However, its current trajectory poses a threat, with installed cooling equipment expected to triple, resulting in a more than doubling of electricity consumption by 2050.

Proposed Action Plans for Sustainability

The Global Cooling Watch Report recommends various action plans to address the challenges, including passive cooling methods (such as cool roofs and natural shading), higher energy efficiency standards, and a faster phasedown of climate-warming refrigerants and air conditioning.

Accelerating Phasedown of HFC

One of the proposals is to expedite the phasedown of climate-warming HFCs beyond the requirements of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. This international agreement aims to reduce the consumption and production of HFCs, potentially preventing significant emissions and temperature rise by 2100.

Global Cooling Pledge and COP28 Initiatives

The Global Cooling Pledge, launched at the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, garnered commitments from over 60 countries to reduce the climate impact of the cooling sector. The report emphasizes the need for global cooperation to achieve sustainable cooling.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

Passive cooling and efficient equipment are projected to save consumers $17 trillion in 2022-2050. Additionally, these measures could reduce peak power requirements, avoiding substantial power generation investments.

Role of G20 Countries

The G20 countries, accounting for 73% of the potential for reducing cooling emissions by 2050, play a crucial role. Over 40 countries, including India, have developed National Cooling Action Plans (NCAPs), highlighting the importance of legislative frameworks and financing for successful implementation.

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2023

Category: Environment Current Affairs