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Driven by factors like increasing temperatures, population growth, and rising incomes, the need for cooling is expected to triple by 2050, potentially doubling greenhouse gas emissions, according to the first-ever Global Cooling Watch Report launched at COP28.

To address this, 63 countries, including the US, Canada, Japan, and the UAE, joined forces to cut cooling-related emissions at the UN climate summit in Dubai. 

This historic moment marks the world’s first collective effort to address climate-warming emissions from the cooling sector, encompassing refrigeration for food, medicine, and air conditioning.

The Global Cooling Pledge sets ambitious targets for participating nations. By 2050, they must achieve a minimum 68% reduction in cooling-related emissions compared to 2022. 

This commitment goes hand-in-hand with other objectives, including establishing minimum energy performance standards by 2030 and promoting access to life-saving cooling solutions. 

These measures aim to alleviate pressure on energy grids, save trillions of dollars, and ensure universal access to essential cooling by 2050. 

According to the United Nations Environment Program, the initiative also recognizes collective action on sustainable energy can save 78 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions between now and 2050.

Adding to the momentum, Danfoss Climate Solutions, a leading technology company, joined forces with governments and major corporations to endorse the global pledge.

Jürgen Fischer, president of Danfoss Climate Solutions, said, “Cooling is one of the biggest societal opportunities of our time. It’s needed everywhere to cool our food, our buildings, and our vaccines. It brings health, growth, and food security for the world’s population.”

“The commitments made by governments through the Global Cooling Pledge are a brave step, but now we must see them take action, implement the technologies readily available today, and spread sustainable, energy efficient, and climate-friendly cooling technologies around the globe,” he added.