At the ongoing UN climate summit in Dubai, over 60 nations, including the United States, endorsed a landmark pledge aiming to significantly reduce cooling emissions by 2050, as confirmed by officials from the U.S. State Department. This concerted effort comes as a response to the escalating threats posed by extreme heatwaves globally and the critical need to mitigate the adverse effects of rising temperatures.
The pledge marks a pivotal step in addressing the perilous consequences of climate change, focusing specifically on curbing emissions associated with cooling technologies. Among the key objectives outlined in the pledge is a commitment to enhancing the efficiency of cooling systems and phasing out the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse gases prevalent in air conditioning and refrigeration units.
This initiative gains substantial support at COP28, supplementing another commitment supported by over 118 countries, aiming to triple renewable energy production and double energy efficiency rates by 2030.
However, concerns have arisen from India regarding the cooling-related pledge. A report from the Daily Star has mentioned a government official expressing reservations to organizers about the terms of the pledge, indicating that India might not join unless the concerns are adequately addressed.
In a report by Reuters, unnamed U.S. officials disclosed their support for amplifying cooling technology efficiency and reducing HFC usage. This proactive stance from the United States hints at a potential framework to implement regulations or incentives within the country, setting the stage for broader global action.
