Pledge at COP promises 68% reduction in emissions by 2050

At the upcoming COP28 climate conference, a new "cooling pledge" is set to be introduced, aiming for a 68% reduction in cooling-related emissions by 2050, based on a draft text reviewed by AFP.

It's still being determined which nations will join the initiative, with questions lingering about significant countries like China and India, where air conditioning demand is rising.

Currently, cooling techniques contribute to over seven percent of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions, as stated by the United Nations. These emissions arise from the electricity required for ACs and fans and hydrofluorocarbons in air conditioning and refrigeration. Despite being short-lived, hydrofluorocarbons can be significantly more harmful in terms of global warming than carbon dioxide.

With around 3.6 billion cooling devices globally, the UN anticipates this number will skyrocket, with the global cooling energy demand expected to triple by 2050.

The UN highlighted in a 2020 report that, without proper policies, emissions from air conditioning and refrigeration could increase by 90% compared to 2017 levels by 2050.

The Global Cooling Pledge urges countries to aim for a minimum 68% reduction in cooling-related emissions by 2050 compared to 2022 levels. It emphasizes the growing number of heat-related fatalities worldwide and points out that almost three billion individuals are using subpar cooling solutions. However, the global community can both enhance cooling access and decrease emissions by adopting measures like energy-efficient air conditioners, designing buildings for passive cooling, and minimizing the use of potent hydrofluorocarbons.

The pledge asserts that a globally coordinated effort towards sustainable cooling can help avert the emission of 78 billion tons of CO2 equivalent by 2050.

Critical international climate discussions will be held in Dubai starting November 30, with primary topics including the future of fossil fuels, promoting renewable energy, and addressing financial strategies for climate adaptation in developing countries.

In addition to the primary discussions, the COP28 hosts, UAE, plan to present multiple initiatives, including the cooling pledge.