The Global Cooling Watch 2023 report by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP)-led Cool Coalition proposes key measures to reduce the power consumption of cooling equipment that would shave at least 60% off predicted 2050 emissions from the sector, improve access to cooling, take the pressure off energy grids, and save trillions by 2050.

The report titled, ‘Keeping It Chill: How to Meet Cooling Demands While Cutting Emissions,’ acknowledges that as global temperatures continue to rise, rapid growth in cooling is necessary for people’s health, nutrition, and livelihoods, and is also critical for meeting the SDGs. At the same time, it notes, cooling growth is driving climate change and hindering the energy transition.

The report calls for action in the areas of passive cooling, higher energy efficiency standards, and a faster phase down of climate-warming refrigerants through the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. Following the measures outlined for each of these areas can reduce the projected 2050 emissions from business-as-usual cooling by more than 60%, or around 3.8 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). According to the report, such a reduction would bring short-term and sustained benefits for the climate, human health, and prosperity, including:

• Make it possible for an additional 3.5 billion people to benefit from refrigerators, air conditioners, or passive cooling by 2050;
• Reduce electricity bills for end users by USD 1 trillion in 2050, and by USD 17 trillion cumulatively between 2022 and 2050;
• Reduce peak power requirements by between 1.5 and 2 terawatts (TW) – almost double the EU’s total generation capacity today; and
• Avoid power generation investments in the order of USD 4 to USD 5 trillion.

The report emphasizes the importance of a joined-up approach to policies that back action in all three areas.

The report further finds that while many countries have cooling policies in place, few are integrated or well implemented, and stresses the need for finance to be streamlined, scaled up, and better targeted.

The report was published on 5 December, in support of the same-day launch of the Global Cooling Pledge, a joint initiative between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as host of the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 28) and the Cool Coalition. According to a UNEP press release, “over 60 countries signed up to the Pledge with commitments to reduce the climate impact of the cooling sector.” [Publication: Keeping It Chill: How to Meet Cooling Demands While Cutting Emissions] [Publication Landing Page] [Key Messages] [UN News Story]