Global Efforts to Reduce Cooling Emissions Gain Momentum at COP28
Sixty-three countries, including the United States, Canada, and Kenya, have pledged to significantly reduce cooling-related emissions at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai. The Global Cooling Pledge aims to cut emissions from refrigeration and air conditioning by at least 68% by 2050 compared to 2022 levels. The pledge also includes targets for establishing minimum energy performance standards by 2030. The growing demand for cooling, driven by rising temperatures, population growth, and increased incomes, poses a challenge to the climate crisis. The pledge seeks to address this issue and increase access to sustainable cooling while reducing emissions. India, a major market for cooling, has not yet joined the pledge. The progress on meeting the cooling pledge will be monitored annually until 2030.