Staying cool, but with clean tech, global collaborations

Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications

1. Quad Nations’ Commitment to Clean Cooling:

• Wilmington Declaration: On September 21, 2024, the Quad countries (Australia, India, Japan, and the U.S.) issued the Wilmington Declaration, committing to sustainable energy solutions, with a focus on high-efficiency cooling systems.
• India’s Leadership: India has made significant investments in clean energy and cooling infrastructure across the Indo-Pacific region, focusing on expanding manufacturing for high-efficiency air conditioners and ceiling fans, which could drastically reduce the climate impact of cooling systems.

2. Global Cooling Challenges:

• Cooling-related Emissions: The global demand for cooling is increasing due to rising temperatures. A major challenge arises from hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse gases used in cooling appliances. If not addressed, HFCs could contribute up to 0.52°C of warming by 2100.
• The Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment (2016) have already set frameworks for reducing HFC emissions. The Kigali Amendment aims to phase out HFCs, but this must be coupled with energy efficiency improvements. More efficient cooling systems can contribute up to two-thirds of the greenhouse gas reductions by cutting electricity consumption.

3. Challenges in Developing Countries:

• Inefficient Cooling Systems: Many developing nations still rely on outdated, inefficient cooling appliances that use harmful refrigerants. Without stronger regulations, these regions risk becoming dumping grounds for inefficient technologies, which would exacerbate both climate and energy challenges.
• Need for Integrated Regulations: Developing countries must implement energy efficiency standards and refrigerant regulations to avoid these issues and move towards sustainable cooling solutions.

4. India’s Cooling Action Plan (ICAP):

• India’s Vulnerability: India is one of the most climate-vulnerable countries, experiencing increasingly severe heatwaves. In 2024, temperatures in parts of India exceeded 50°C, highlighting the urgent need for effective cooling solutions to protect people, preserve food, and safeguard industrial processes.
• ICAP’s Goals: India has launched the India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP), which aims for:
• A 20%-25% reduction in cooling demand by 2030.
• A 25%-40% reduction in energy consumption for cooling.
• A shift to low-GWP refrigerants.
• Kigali Amendment Ratification: India ratified the Kigali Amendment in 2021, committing to an 85% reduction in HFCs by 2047.

5. Proposed National Mission for Sustainable Cooling:

• India needs a mission-mode approach to address cooling needs, particularly in vulnerable regions. A national mission would focus on:
• Leadership and cross-sectoral collaboration.
• Establishing an inter-ministerial working group.
• Building national capacity and dedicated budget allocations for long-term success.
• This approach is essential to protect vulnerable communities, especially with the rising risks of extreme heat.

6. International Cooperation and COP28 & COP29 Momentum:

• Global Commitments: At COP28, 63 countries pledged to reduce cooling emissions by 68% by 2050 through the Global Cooling Pledge, which, although non-binding, could provide cooling access to 3.5 billion people and save up to $17 trillion in energy costs.
• COP29 Agenda: COP29 must build on the momentum of COP28 by expanding commitments and fostering stronger partnerships across sectors and nations. This will be key to scaling up energy-efficient cooling solutions globally without overwhelming electricity grids or excluding vulnerable populations.

7. Conclusion

• In the face of rising temperatures and increasing demand for cooling, effective international cooperation, especially between nations like India and the U.S., is crucial. India’s proactive approach, such as the ICAP, and its alignment with global initiatives like the Kigali Amendment, positions it as a global leader in sustainable cooling.