Towards a Cool COP28: Sustainable Cooling Solutions in Asia-Pacific

Date: 14 November 2023

Time: 9h30 - 11h00 MYT

Location: Kuala Danga 208 Room, Persada Johor International Convention Center, Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Organizers: COP28 UAE Presidency, United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP-led Cool Coalition, United for Efficiency, UNFCCC High-Level Champions Team

This is an official affiliated event of the Asia and the Pacific Climate Week. Live streaming link forthcoming.

Description: 

The Asia-Pacific region has faced record sweltering temperatures this year with heatwaves regularly making headlines. The demand for cooling is increasing rapidly as the world warms from climate change and incomes rise and by 2040, cooling could be responsible for as much as 30% of the region’s peak electricity demand. Without strong policy action, emissions from the sector are expected to double by 2030 and triple by 2050 from 7% today.

Coordinated action is therefore needed to accelerate the transition towards sustainable cooling to reduce GHG emissions and increase access to cooling solutions for the 614.8 million people in the region who lack access. Against this backdrop and recognizing the adaptation and mitigation benefits of sustainable cooling, the COP28 Presidency of the United Arab Emirates is spearheading the Global Cooling Pledge with support from the UNEP-led Cool Coalition. Achieving the Global Cooling Pledge could double the climate benefits and mitigating 68% of cooling related GHG emissions – or 78 billion tonnes equivalent between 2022-2050. It will also improve access to cooling for resilience to rising heat, greater food security and local development.

This session seeks to highlight leadership from the region in innovative and sustainable cooling technologies, policies, and initiatives, as well as showcase regional commitments to the COP28 Global Cooling Pledge. It also aims to promote collaboration and knowledge exchange among stakeholders in the region. For example, the event will highlight the existing ASEAN Cool Initiative, aims to modernize, and enhance minimum energy performance standards in line with global best practices and the ASEAN Regional Roadmap by 2025.