At the United Nations climate summit in Dubai, 63 nations, including the United States, Canada, and Kenya, have committed to a historic pledge called the Global Cooling Pledge.
This initiative, a first of its kind, concentrates on reducing climate-warming emissions from cooling systems, encompassing refrigeration for food and medicine as well as air conditioning.
The pledge sets a target for countries to slash their cooling-related emissions by at least 68% by 2050 compared to 2022 levels.
Additionally, it mandates the establishment of minimum energy performance standards by 2030.
U.S. climate envoy John Kerry emphasized the goal to “reduce cooling-related emissions across all sectors while increasing access to sustainable cooling” during COP28.
Currently, 1.2 billion people lack access to cooling, a number expected to triple by mid-century due to rising temperatures, expanding populations, and increased incomes.
Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr of Sierra Leone vividly illustrated the impact, highlighting that, for many, the measure of wealth in the face of rising temperatures is the availability of cooling.
However, the surge in cooling demands poses a challenge, with emissions predicted to reach between 4.4 billion and 6.1 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2050.
Jürgen Fischer, president of climate solutions at Danfoss, expressed concern about the unchecked proliferation of individual air conditioners, emphasizing the strain on energy systems and the potential for collapse.
The pledge received early support from the United States, hinting at potential regulations or incentives for the industry.
Notably absent from the commitment was India, a significant player in future cooling demand.
Indian officials cited existing commitments under the Montreal Protocol as the reason for not joining.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) coalition, in collaboration with the COP28 UAE presidency, developed the pledge.
The progress toward its goals will be closely monitored on an annual basis until 2030, with updates at yearly U.N. climate summits.
In parallel, another COP28 pledge has garnered support from 118 countries, aiming to triple renewable energy and double energy efficiency rates by 2030.
As nations align to combat climate change, these pledges mark crucial steps in addressing emissions from cooling and advancing sustainable solutions.
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