Here’s the translation to American English:
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The rise in heat waves worldwide, coupled with the increasing demand for cooling, drives an urgent need to adopt sustainable solutions in this sector. A recent report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) highlights that implementing energy-efficient systems and hybrid technologies could not only significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also yield considerable economic savings and improve access to cooling for vulnerable communities.
Titled “Global Cooling Watch 2025,” the report was presented at the COP30 Climate Change Conference in Belém, Brazil. It warns that, if the current trend continues, global demand for cooling could triple by 2050. This increase would be driven by several factors, including population growth, rising incomes, and access to inefficient cooling systems in low-income households.
Without changes to current policies, emissions generated by the cooling sector are expected to reach 7.2 billion tons by 2050, nearly double the levels of 2022, which could place considerable pressure on electrical grids.
The report proposes a “Sustainable Cooling Pathway” that could reduce emissions by 64%, reaching 2.6 billion tons compared to current projections. Furthermore, if these measures are implemented alongside an accelerated decarbonization of the electricity sector, emissions could be 97% lower than in the current scenario.
Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP, emphasized the need to consider access to cooling as essential infrastructure, akin to access to water and energy, especially given the increasing frequency of extreme heat waves. Andersen noted that we cannot rely solely on air conditioning as a solution to the heat crisis and that it is crucial to implement more efficient alternatives that protect both people and food supply chains as well as economies.
This report, produced by UNEP’s Cool Coalition, represents the most comprehensive assessment of cooling demand. It is estimated that nearly two-thirds of emission reductions could be achieved through passive, low-energy solutions, a key element to ensure access to cooling for up to 3 billion more people by 2050. Additionally, these initiatives could generate up to $43 trillion in total savings, considering both avoided energy costs and new investments in electrical infrastructure.
In this context, the “Mutirão Contra o Calor Extremo” initiative is highlighted, a collective effort promoted by Brazil’s presidency of COP30 and the Cool Coalition, which has already garnered participation from 185 cities and 83 partners, along with 72 countries that have signed the Global Cooling Commitment. While 72 nations have committed to a 68% reduction in emissions from this sector by 2050, only 54 of them have implemented comprehensive policies that address energy efficiency and the transition to clean refrigerants, with Africa and the Asia-Pacific regions facing the greatest challenges.
UNEP calls for establishing “active governance of extreme heat,” recognizing cooling as an essential public good and prioritizing passive and nature-based solutions to build resilient cities and mitigate the climate crisis.
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