8th December 2023 (7 Topics)
1
Dec
2
Dec
4
Dec
5
Dec
6
Dec
7
Dec
8
Dec
9
Dec
11
Dec
12
Dec
13
Dec
14
Dec
15
Dec
16
Dec
18
Dec
19
Dec
20
Dec
21
Dec
22
Dec
23
Dec
25
Dec
26
Dec
27
Dec
28
Dec
29
Dec
30
Dec
Global Cooling Pledge at COP28: How refrigerators and ACs contribute to global warming
Context
Recently, Sixty-three countries, including the US, Canada, and Kenya, signed up to the world’s first-ever pledge to drastically cut cooling emissions at the on-going COP28 climate summit.
About
The Urgency of Cooling Emission Reduction:
- As climate change intensifies, the world faces a new challenge in the form of cooling emissions.
- 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.
Cooling Emissions and Their Origins:
- 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.
- HFC-134a, commonly used in fridges, has a global warming potential 3,400 times that of CO2.
- 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.
The Impact of Cooling Emissions on Global Warming
- Escalating Demand and Vicious Cycle
- Cooling emissions currently account for 7% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
- Expected to triple by 2050 due to rising global temperatures leading to increased demand for cooling appliances.
- A destructive feedback loop: as global warming worsens, the demand for cooling rises, further contributing to warming.
- Alarming Consumption Trends
- Energy consumption for space cooling has tripled since 1990.
- Consumption increased by over 5% from 2021 to last year.
- Consumption rates set to skyrocket, especially in developing countries reliant on fossil fuels.
Solutions: Addressing Cooling Emissions and Phasing Out HFCs
- The Kigali Amendment
- Over 150 countries signed the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol in 2016.
- A commitment to reducing HFC consumption by 80% by 2047, potentially avoiding 0.4 degrees Celsius of global warming by 2100.
- Phasing Out HFCs
- Promotion of climate-friendly chemicals, known as natural refrigerants, such as ammonia, hydrocarbons, and CO2.
- These alternatives have lower or zero global warming potential.
- Proper Management and Disposal
- Critical need for proper disposal of appliances at the end of their life.
- The management and reuse of refrigerant gases could significantly reduce global CO2 emissions.
- Beyond Air Conditioning: Sustainable Cooling Solutions
- Emphasis on cooling buildingswithout relying solely on air conditioners.
- Improved insulation materials and better ventilation in building designs to reduce the need for energy-intensive cooling.
Way Forward: A Collective Effort for a Cooler Planet
- The Global Cooling Pledge signifies a critical step in addressing the escalating threat of cooling emissions.
- As the world grapples with the impacts of climate change, concerted efforts to reduce cooling emissions and phase out potent greenhouse gases are essential.
- The pledge reflects a shared responsibility to create a sustainable and cooler future for the planet.
More Articles
Courses
Study
Notes
Home
Resources
More
