addressing the climate crisis

 International cooperation on clean energy and cooling solutions is another crucial step in addressing the climate crisis

cooling  and our rights 

In a rapidly warming world, cooling is not merely a luxury but a necessity, especially for vulnerable populations. 

International cooperation on clean energy and cooling solutions is a crucial step toward addressing the climate crisis. 

अभी तक हमने क्या किया ? 

Wilmington Declaration

On September 21, 2024, the Quad nations (Australia, India, Japan, and the United States) issued the Wilmington Declaration, which underscores the Quad’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions, particularly focusing on high-efficiency cooling systems. 

joint statement by India and the U.S., 

which detailed a road map for building resilient and secure global clean energy supply chains, placing a special emphasis on clean cooling technologies. 

Both statements highlight the urgent need to 

• deploy affordable and 
• energy-efficient cooling systems in climate-vulnerable regions while advancing global climate goals.

India’s leadership in these efforts 

India has pledged significant investments in solar and cooling infrastructure across the Indo-Pacific region. 

Along with the U.S. and India’s joint plan to expand manufacturing capacities for high-efficiency air-conditioners and ceiling fans.

Cooling-related emissions

 Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment (2016)

 which already set a precedent for collective global action on cooling-related emissions. 

As global temperatures rise, increasing demand for cooling makes it imperative for the world to adopt the lessons of these frameworks, 

• reducing harmful emissions 
• transitioning to sustainable alternatives.

The Kigali Amendment 

expanded its scope to target hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse gases used in cooling appliances. 

Left unstopped, HFCs could contribute to 0.52°C of warming by 2100..

cutting electricity consumption 

More efficient cooling systems could deliver about two-thirds of total greenhouse gas reductions by cutting electricity consumption. 

This would reduce emissions, lower air pollution from fossil fuel power plants, and save costs for manufacturers and consumers.

Climate change has 2  threats related to cooling: 

the indirect emissions from 

• inefficient air-conditioning and refrigeration systems powered by fossil fuels 
• direct emissions from harmful refrigerants. However, many countries still lack integrated energy efficiency and refrigerant standards. 

High-efficiency air conditioners 

using climate-friendly refrigerants are available, but inefficient models using outdated refrigerants still dominate many markets.

Having a mission-mode approach

भारत क्या क्या फेस कर रहा है ?  

In 2024, parts of India experienced temperatures over 50°C

underscoring the need for cooling to ensure thermal comfort, preserve food, medical supplies, and industrial processes.

severe heatwaves  

 India, one of the most climate-vulnerable nations, faces increasingly severe heatwaves that endanger millions. By 2030, an estimated 160 million to 200 million Indians could face deadly heatwaves annually. 

The country’s workforce faces 

 extreme heat, risks significant declines in productivity, health, and food security. 

Cooling demand is expected to surge

 with air conditioner sales rising 16% for every degree over 30°C. By 2050, India may have the world’s highest cooling demand, with over 1.14 billion air conditioners in use.

भारत के कुछ प्रयास 

India ratified the Kigali Amendment in 2021

 committing to reduce HFCs by 85% by 2047. 

The India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP) 

targets a 20%-25% reduction in cooling demand, 25-40% in energy consumption, and a shift to low-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants, demonstrating leadership in climate-friendly cooling.

क्या किया जाना चाहिए ? 

A mission-mode approach is needed to tackle these challenges. A national mission for sustainable cooling would require focused leadership, cross-sectoral collaboration, and coordinated efforts across ministries. 

Establishing an inter-ministerial working group, planning a launch event, and allocating an initial budget are essential. 

National capacity-building initiatives and dedicated budget lines must follow for long-term success.

COP29 and the momentum of COP28

सस्ती  technologies की जरुरत ?

 International commitments to clean energy cooling are encouraging, but technologies must remain affordable. 

The U.S.-India partnership and the Quad’s initiatives 

emphasise deployment and local manufacturing of high-efficiency cooling systems.

 The challenge 

is in ensuring equitable access, particularly in developing regions where cooling needs are the greatest. Rising global temperatures require scaling up energy-efficient solutions without straining fragile electricity grids or leaving vulnerable populations behind.

India’s proactive approach to 

cooling challenges, especially through the ICAP, positions it as a global leader in sustainable cooling. The country can protect its population from heat while leading the global fight against climate change, ensuring thermal comfort for all.

At COP28 (Dubai)

 63 countries pledged to reduce cooling emissions by 68% by 2050. The Global Cooling Pledge, though non-binding, could provide cooling access to 3.5 billion people by 2050 and save $17 trillion in energy costs. 

However, global action must accelerate to make this a reality. COP29 must build on the momentum of COP28 by expanding cooling commitments. This includes increasing participation in the Global Cooling Pledge and enhancing partnerships across sectors and nations.

Source the hindu