Global Cooling Pledge COP28

Global Cooling Pledge COP28

News: Recently, Sixty-three countries signed up to the world’s first-ever pledge to drastically cut cooling emissions at the on-going COP28 climate summit.

About:
• The recently signed Global Cooling Pledge, with 63 participating countries including the US, Canada, and Kenya, marks a historic commitment to reduce cooling emissions by at least 68% by 2050.

Origins of cooling emissions:

Refrigerants and Greenhouse Gases
• Refrigerants in appliances: Cooling emissions primarily arise from refrigerants used in appliances like air conditioners and refrigerators.
• CFCs: Historically, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were widely used but were phased out due to their harmful impact on the ozone layer.
• HFCs and HCFCs: Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) replaced CFCs but pose a new problem as potent greenhouse gases.

Leakage and Improper Disposal
• HFCs and HCFCs are released from damaged appliances or car air conditioning systems.
• Ninety percent of refrigerant emissions occur at the end of the equipment's life, often due to improper disposal.
• Electricity used to power cooling appliances, largely sourced from fossil fuels, also contributes to cooling emissions.

What are the impact of cooling emissions on Global warming?
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Cooling appliances like air conditioners and refrigerators contribute to global warming by emitting greenhouse gases. Room air conditioners alone are set to account for over 130 gigatons (GT) of CO2 emissions between now and 2050. This could account for 20-40% of the world’s remaining 'carbon budget'
• Increased Demand: As the planet becomes warmer, individuals use their air conditioners more frequently, creating more emissions. This creates a cycle of degradation.
• Impact on Climate Goals: The emissions from cooling appliances pose a significant challenge to efforts to limit global temperature rise this century to 1.5°C.

Solutions to address cooling emissions and phasing out HFCs:

The Kigali Amendment
o Over 150 countries signed the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol in 2016.
o A commitment to reducing HFC consumption by 80% by 2047, potentially avoiding 0.4 degrees Celsius of global warming by 2100.

Phasing Out HFCs
o Promotion of climate-friendly chemicals, known as natural refrigerants, such as ammonia, hydrocarbons, and CO2.
o These alternatives have lower or zero global warming potential.
• Proper management and disposal of critical appliances at the end of their life cycle.
• Emphasizing on sustainable cooling solutions beyond air conditioners.