SUSTAINABLE
COOLING: ENVIRONMENT
NEWS:
Staying cool, but with clean tech, global collaborations
WHAT’S
IN THE NEWS?
The Quad nations issued the Wilmington Declaration,
committing to high-efficiency cooling solutions for climate-vulnerable regions,
aligning with India's clean energy goals and the Kigali Amendment to phase down
HFCs. India’s Cooling Action Plan and National Cooling Mission further aim to
reduce emissions and cooling demand domestically.
Wilmington
Declaration on Sustainable Cooling (September 21, 2024)
- The Quad
nations (Australia, India, Japan, and the United States) committed to
high-efficiency, climate-friendly cooling systems.
- The
declaration aligns with the India-U.S. roadmap for resilient clean energy
and emphasizes aiding Indo-Pacific regions with sustainable cooling.
Focus
on Indo-Pacific Stability and Development
- Quad leaders
pledged investments in solar and cooling infrastructure, addressing
climate impacts and promoting regional stability.
- Other Quad
priorities include AI, quantum computing, 5G, cancer treatment, maritime
security, and disaster preparedness.
Global
Cooling Frameworks and Commitments
- Kigali Amendment: Targets
phasedown of HFCs in cooling systems to limit warming, aligning with the
Montreal Protocol.
- COP28 & Global Cooling Pledge: Aim for a
68% reduction in cooling emissions by 2050, potentially saving $17
trillion in energy costs.
India’s
Cooling Initiatives
- India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP): Aims to
reduce cooling demand by 20%-25% and achieve significant energy savings
with low-GWP refrigerants.
- National Cooling Mission: Calls for a
mission-mode approach with inter-ministerial collaboration to ensure
sustainable cooling progress.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/staying-cool-but-with-clean-tech-global-collaborations/article68846559.ece