Global Cooling Pledge

Environmental risk management - Conference of the Parties - emissions - greenhouse gases.

Author: Charitarth Sindhu', Environmental Sustainability & ESG Consultant.

The Global Cooling Pledge is an international commitment to reduce harmful emissions relating to mechanical cooling systems. It was signed by participating countries in 2023.

To align with the objectives of the Paris Agreement, specifically the commitment to limit global warming to below 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, the year 2023 marked the emergence of the Global Cooling Commitment during COP28.

This commitment targets a 68% reduction in cooling-related emissions by 2050, relative to the levels observed in 2022.

The global cooling industry plays a pivotal role in mitigating heat stress, fostering human comfort, minimizing food loss, improving healthcare accessibility, and ensuring efficient energy transmission.

These services primarily rely on mechanical cooling methods, also known as active cooling mechanisms.

The underlying principle involves using liquid coolants to actively dissipate heat energy.

This process is based on the concept that heat energy is absorbed when a liquid evaporates and released when a vapour condenses.

Among the commonly used coolants, HFCs found in air conditioners, refrigerators, and aerosol cans pose significant environmental risks.

Most HFCs exhibit a global warming potential ranging from 140 to 11,700 times that of CO₂.

Notably, a single tonne of the most commonly used HFC, HFC-23, is equivalent to the impact of 11,700 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

Recognizing the adverse environmental effects of mechanical cooling methods and committed to achieving net-zero emissions from cooling activities by 2050, 67 nations and various non-state entities signed the Global Cooling Pledge at COP28.

To meet the specified target of reducing cooling-related emissions by 68% by 2050 relative to 2022 levels.

The United Nations Environmental Programme estimates that coordinated global efforts toward sustainable cooling could lead to a reduction of 78 billion tonnes of CO₂ emissions by 2050.

This reduction is envisioned through the adoption of passive cooling methods.

Passive cooling methods regulate building temperatures without relying on active mechanical systems.

For instance, shading techniques block direct sunlight and reduce solar heat gain using architectural elements like awnings, overhangs, or external blinds.

Ventilation, another crucial aspect, accelerates air circulation to expel heat from the building.

Insulation serves as a thermal barrier, reducing heat transfer between the interior and exterior of a structure.

Properly placed insulation materials in walls, roofs, and floors contribute to maintaining a stable indoor temperature by minimizing heat exchange.

Green roofs, an eco-friendly approach, involve cultivating vegetation on building rooftops, providing insulation and contributing to cooling through evapotranspiration, where plants release moisture into the air.

Reflective surfaces, including cool roof coatings or materials with high solar reflectance, bounce back sunlight and reduce heat absorption.

A significant aspect for the 2050 agenda involves reintroducing nature into urban settings through the incorporation of green spaces, trees, and landscaping.

These elements create a more natural and cooler environment while enhancing overall well-being.

The common theme among passive cooling methods lies in their promotion of air movement.

Efficient air circulation is vital for expelling heat from buildings and bringing in cooler external air.

This not only regulates indoor temperatures but also aids in cooling occupants by promoting the evaporation of perspiration.

With their comprehensive approach, passive cooling methods offer sustainable and energy-efficient solutions for maintaining comfortable living and working environments.

See also

• Biodiversity
• Carbon credits
• Carbon dioxide
• CBD COP 15
• Climate change
• Climate change: testing the resilience of corporates’ creditworthiness to natural catastrophes
• Climate change adaptation
• Climate change mitigation
• Climate finance
• Climate risk
• Conference of the Parties
• Conference of the Parties - historical milestones
• Convention on Biological Diversity
• COP28
• COP29
• COP30
• Developing country
• Ecosystem services
• Emissions
• Fossil fuel
• Fund
• Green Climate Fund
• Greenhouse gas
• G7
• Hydrocarbons
• Kyoto Protocol
• Loss and damage
• Methane
• Nationally determined contribution (NDC)
• Net zero
• New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG)
• Paris Agreement
• Ratification
• REDD+
• Risk management
• Super pollutants
• Transition
• Transparency
• Treaty
• United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
• United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
• Voluntary carbon markets (VCM)
• V20
• World Bank

Other resource

• The Global Cooling Pledge