Sustainable Cooling: Combating Heatwaves Through Global and National Initiatives

Source: The post sustainable cooling: combating heatwaves through global and national initiatives has been created, based on the article “Staying cool, but with clean tech, global collaborations” published in “The Hindu” on 9th November 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- environmental pollution and degradation.

Context: The article discusses the urgent need for sustainable cooling solutions due to rising global temperatures. It highlights India’s leadership, global cooperation through the Quad and Kigali Amendment, and emphasizes affordable, energy-efficient cooling technologies to combat climate change and protect vulnerable populations.

For detailed information on Recent Global Temperature Trends and Climate Change read this article here

What is the Importance of Sustainable Cooling?

1. Cooling is essential in a warming world, especially for vulnerable populations facing extreme heat.
2. India experienced temperatures over 50°C in 2024, highlighting the urgency for thermal comfort and safety.
3. By 2030, 160-200 million Indians may face deadly heatwaves annually, risking productivity and health.
4. Cooling-related emissions, including HFCs, could cause 0.52°C of warming by 2100 if unchecked.
5. Efficient cooling can cut emissions, save energy costs, and reduce pollution.

How Are Global Efforts Addressing Cooling-Related Emissions?

1. The Global Cooling Pledge, announced at COP28, aims to reduce cooling emissions by 68% by 2050, providing access to sustainable cooling for 3.5 billion people and saving $17 trillion in energy costs.
2. The Wilmington Declaration by Quad nations highlights a commitment to deploy high-efficiency cooling systems in climate-vulnerable regions and develop sustainable energy solutions.
3. These efforts complement the Kigali Amendment, which targets HFC reduction to prevent 0.52°C of warming by 2100.
4. India’s leadership through the India Cooling Action Plan aligns with these global initiatives to promote clean cooling technologies.

For detailed information on Global Cooling Pledge at COP28 read this article here

What Challenges Do Developing Countries Face with Cooling?

1. Inefficient Cooling Appliances: Inefficient models using outdated refrigerants dominate markets, causing higher emissions and energy consumption.
2. Risk of Becoming Dumping Grounds: Without stronger regulations, developing countries risk importing inefficient appliances, worsening climate and energy challenges.
3. High Emissions Impact: Indirect emissions from fossil fuel-powered cooling and direct emissions from harmful refrigerants are critical concerns.
4. Weak Standards: Many countries lack integrated energy efficiency and refrigerant regulations to address these issues.
5. Escalating Cooling Demand: In India, cooling demand is expected to rise sharply, with air conditioner sales increasing 16% for every degree over 30°C and 1.14 billion air conditioners projected by 2050.

What Can Be Done Through a Mission-Mode Approach?

1. Focused Leadership: Establish a national mission for sustainable cooling, ensuring coordinated efforts across ministries.
2. Cross-Sectoral Collaboration: Create an inter-ministerial working group to integrate efforts and policies.
3. Budget Allocation: Allocate initial funding for the mission and develop long-term dedicated budget lines.
4. Capacity-Building: Initiate national training programs to build expertise in sustainable cooling technologies.
5. Address Rising Demand: India may have the highest cooling demand globally by 2050, with over 1.14 billion air conditioners in use.
6. ICAP Goals: Reduce cooling demand by 20%-25%, energy consumption by 25%-40%, and transition to low-GWP refrigerants.
7. Promote Clean Manufacturing: Expand production of high-efficiency air-conditioners and ceiling fans as part of India-U.S. joint efforts.

Question for practice:

Examine the significance of global and national efforts in promoting sustainable cooling to address the challenges posed by rising cooling demand and emissions.