Launched at COP28, the Global Cooling Pledge, addresses extreme heat risks and sustainable cooling demand through a triple strategy: passive cooling, super-efficient technologies, and climate-friendly refrigerants to cut sectoral emissions by 68% by 2050. Reinforced at COP29’s inaugural Annual Cooling Ministerial Meeting, the Pledge prioritizes equitable access to sustainable cooling to protect nations from the impacts of extreme heat while aligning with the Paris Agreement and biodiversity.
At COP29, the Annual Cooling Ministerial on the Global Cooling Pledge marked a milestone in global cooling efforts. Co-Chaired by Her Excellency Ana Toni, Vice Minister for Climate Change and Environment of Brazil and CEO of COP30 and Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Minister of Climate Change and Environment of the United Arab Emirates, the Ministerial meeting outcomes included the adoption of the Pledge Progress Report and 2030 Implementation Strategy, alongside the formal announcement of plans to develop an Intergovernmental Committee on Cooling. Leaders shared their progress, reaffirmed commitment, and emphasized the need for accelerated action, collaboration, and increased support for developing countries; “as the host of COP30, we see the Pledge as an opportunity to elevate sustainable cooling in response to extreme heat and ensure it remains a key priority for climate action in both mitigation and adaptation efforts” said Ana Toni, Vice Minister, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and CEO of COP30.
The first Global Cooling Pledge Signatories Focal Points Meeting, co-chaired by Brazil and the UAE, will provide a dedicated platform to delve into the practicalities of Pledge implementation, shape the Intergovernmental Committee on Cooling to ensure broader inclusivity and support for all signatory countries, and prepare for COP30 Cooling Pledge Ministerial. It will also deliver targeted technical training and capacity-building activities identified through the Needs Assessment with Pledge Signatories.
Key Objectives
- Discuss modalities to accelerate Pledge’s implementation.
- Discuss outcomes of COP30 Annual Cooling Ministerial.
- Discuss the operationalization of the Intergovernmental Committee on Cooling (IGCC), to gather the feedback of all signatories on the governance of the Global Cooling Pledge.
- Provide training on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Cooling Action Plans (NCAPs), Cooling Finance, and tackling adaptation and extreme heat.
Expected Outcomes
- Enhanced support on implementation of the Pledge (e.g., Implementation Help Desk), and Cool Champions for Pledge Implementation)
- Agreed Intergovernmental Committee on Cooling Terms of Reference.
- Agreed outcomes of COP30 Ministerial.
- Agreed terms of reference for Cool Champions for Pledge Implementation
- Enhanced technical capacity among focal points on sustainable cooling strategies.
- Strengthened collaboration and knowledge exchange among Pledge Signatories.
Resources
Co-chairs
- Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil
- Government of the United Arab Emirates
Co-hosts
- Government of the Federal Republic of Germany
- Government of the Italian Republic
- Government of the United Arab Emirates
