Released at: COP30, Belém, Brazil
Report Published by: UN Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Cool Coalition
Core Warning: Global cooling demand could triple by 2050, potentially doubling emissions and severely stressing power systems under a Business-as-Usual (BAU) pathway.
The report outlines a Sustainable Cooling Pathway to dramatically cut projected GHG emissions from the global cooling sector.
Key Concerns Raised in Report
Surge in Cooling Demand
- Cooling equipment stock projected to rise from 22 TW (2022)– 68 TW by 2050 (more than 3 times increase).
- Main drivers:
- Urbanisation
- Rising incomes
- Increased heatwaves
- Population growth in hot climates
Major Policy Gaps
- Only 54 countries meet full standards for a Sustainable Cooling Pathway.
- While many nations now mention cooling in policies, implementation remains weak.
Escalating Extreme Heat
- IPCC findings: Population exposed to lethal heat stress may rise from 30% today– 48–76% by 2100.
- Factors worsening the situation:
- Urban heat island effect
- More frequent & intense heatwaves
- Lack of green spaces in cities
Proposed– Sustainable Cooling Pathway
1. Passive Cooling
- Reduce cooling loads through:
- Climate-responsive building design
- Urban shading, cool roofs, natural ventilation
- Low-cost measures like putting doors on supermarket refrigerators
- Cuts energy consumption & emissions significantly.
2. Low-Energy Cooling
- Prioritise:
- Fans
- Evaporative coolers
- Hybrid low-energy systems
- Reduces dependence on conventional air conditioners.
3. Best-in-Class Energy Efficiency
- Promote high-efficiency cooling appliances:
- Variable speed compressors
- Smart controls
- Ensures lower lifetime energy use.
4. Rapid HFC Phase-Down
- Promote low-GWP refrigerants aligned with the Kigali Amendment.
- Maintains system efficiency while reducing direct GHG emissions.
Beat the Heat Global Initiative
- Jointly launched by:
- UNEP’s Cool Coalition
- Brazil (COP30 Presidency)
- Objective: Translate Global Cooling Watch findings into real-world action.
Focus Areas
- Integrating passive, nature-based cooling in urban planning
- Public procurement of efficient, low-GWP technologies
- City-level heat action planning
- Ensuring cooling access for vulnerable communities
Key Trends Identified in the Report
1. Rising Cooling Demand
- Cooling capacity projected to rise: 22 TW→ 58 TW (2050)
- Strongest surge in developing nations due to:
- Urbanisation
- Economic growth
- Rising temperatures
2. GHG Emission Surge
- Cooling-related emissions may reach 10.5 billion tonnes CO₂e by 2050 (almost double 2022 levels) if no policy action is taken.
3. Developing Country Acceleration
- Article 5 countries (developing nations) could see cooling demand rise 4×.
- Highlights widening inequality in energy access & infrastructure readiness.
4. Rising Electricity Consumption
- Global electricity demand for cooling may rise: 5,000 TWh (2022)– 18,000 TWh (2050)
- This will increase peak loads, causing:
- Grid instability
- Higher costs
- Greater fossil fuel use (in coal-dependent countries)
5. Heat Inequality
- 2+ billion people in low-income households remain without access to affordable cooling.
- Rising mortality risk due to extreme heat exposure.
6. Passive Cooling Potential
- Measures like cool roofs, reflective paints, green spaces can:
- Reduce indoor temperature by up to 8°C
- Cut energy use by 15–55%
- High-impact, low-cost adaptation measures.
7. HFC Transition Benefits
- Phasing down HFCs + adopting low-GWP refrigerants could prevent up to 0.4°C of global warming by 2100.
8. Global Cooling Pledge Progress
- 72 countries + 80 organizations have joined.
- Collective target: 68% reduction in cooling sector emissions by 2050.
Successes Highlighted
- Growing global coordination via the Global Cooling Pledge.
- Passive cooling becoming part of building codes in many Asian & African nations.
- Technological leaps in hybrid and low-energy cooling systems (up to 50% efficiency gains).
- Increased private sector investment in efficient cooling markets.
- Emerging Tiered Cooling Access Frameworks improving heat resilience.
Limitations Identified
1. Access Inequality
- Millions in tropical developing nations still lack basic cooling.
- Heat-related mortality remains a serious risk.
2. Adaptation Finance Gap
- Only <20% of global cooling resilience needs are currently financed.
3. Policy Fragmentation
- Cooling policies scattered across:
- Energy
- Housing
- Environment
- Urban development
- Lack of unified governance reduces impact.
4. Slow HFC Phase-Down
- Many countries behind schedule on Kigali Amendment timelines.
- Ineffective refrigerant disposal adds to direct emissions.
5. Fossil-Dependent Electricity
- In many countries, grid electricity is still coal-based.
- This offsets efficiency gains and increases indirect emissions.
UNEP Recommendations– Global Cooling Watch 2025
1. Adopt the Sustainable Cooling Pathway
- Combine passive design + efficient appliances + rapid clean energy shift.
2. Accelerate Refrigerant Phase-Down
- Strict implementation of the Kigali Amendment.
- Ensure refrigerant recovery & full lifecycle management.
3. Mobilise Green Finance
- Use:
- Concessional loans
- Climate bonds
- Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs)
- Expand access to efficient cooling in developing regions.
4. Mandate Passive Cooling Standards
- Integrate climate-responsive architecture into:
- National building codes
- Urban planning laws
5. Ensure Equity in Cooling Access
- Subsidise efficient cooling for:
- Low-income families
- Informal settlements
- Heat-stressed regions
- Make cooling a public health priority.
UNEP Cool Coalition
- A global network led by UNEP.
- Promotes energy-efficient, climate-friendly cooling solutions.
- Supports the Kigali Amendment and Global Cooling Pledge.
Kigali Amendment (2016)
- Amends the Montreal Protocol to phase down HFCs.
- Expected to avoid 0.4°C global warming by 2100.
- Legally binding.
COP30 (2025)
- Host: Belém, Brazil
- Key focus: Climate justice, Amazon protection, adaptation, sustainable cooling.