Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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November 11, 2025 Climate and environment
Shifting to sustainable cooling methods could be key to protecting people and the planet from the effects of rising heat. Technologies such as passive, energy-efficient, and hybrid cooling with minimal energy consumption could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save up to $43 trillion, and protect 3 billion people from extreme temperatures, according to a new report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) presented at UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belem, Brazil.
According to the report, if current trends continue, demand for cooling could triple by 2050. As a result, emissions in this sector will nearly double compared to 2022, reaching 7.2 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent. This is due to population growth, the continued spread of extreme temperatures, and the adoption of inefficient and polluting cooling systems among the world's poorest people.
Trillions of dollars in savings
UNEP proposes a so-called "Sustainable Cooling Pathway" that would reduce future emissions by 64 percent—to 2.6 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent—compared to projected 2050 levels. With a simultaneous rapid transition to clean energy, emissions could be reduced by 97 percent.
"Access to cooling must be considered a component of basic infrastructure, along with water, energy, and sanitation," emphasized UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen. "We can't solve the problem with air conditioning—it will only exacerbate the crisis. Passive, energy-efficient, and natural solutions will protect people, food chains, and economies from heat."
Experts estimate that implementing the proposed path will save $17 trillion in energy costs and avoid investments in energy grids totaling up to $26 trillion by 2050.
Key measures include the use of passive cooling, the rapid introduction of energy-efficient equipment, the elimination of freons, and the development of green urban spaces.
Let's beat the heat
These recommendations form the basis of the "Beat the Heat" initiative (Mutirão Contra o Calor Extremo / Beat the Heat), led by Brazil, the COP30 presidency, and the UNEP Cooling Coalition. It has already been joined by 185 cities and 83 partners, including 72 signatory countries. Global Cooling Commitment.
By mid-2025, 29 countries have adopted specific targets to reduce emissions in the refrigeration sector, with five more in the process of being developed. A total of 134 countries have included refrigeration measures in their national climate strategies, but only 54 cover all key areas—from energy efficiency standards to the transition to environmentally friendly refrigerants.
The largest gaps remain in Africa and the Asia-Pacific region, where cooling demand is growing fastest.
UNEP calls on countries to move from emergency response to systemic heat risk management, to consider cooling as a public good, and to develop nature-based solutions – from green architecture to sustainable urban planning.
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