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Global cooling pledge progress: COP29 marks key milestones in sustainable cooling initiatives

Following COP28's Global Cooling Pledge, ministers and leaders from over 30 nations convened at COP29 to map out the path forward for sustainable cooling.

Launched in Dubai at COP28 in 2023, the Global Cooling Pledge has united over 71 countries and 60 non-state actors in the objective to cut down cooling-related emissions by 68% by 2050, while ensuring equitable access to life-saving solutions for vulnerable populations. Pledge signatories committed to 14 actions – ranging from passive cooling to enhancing efficiency of cooling equipment – while phasing down climate warming refrigerants.

 

What has happened since the Global Cooling Pledge at COP28?

 

In 2024, signatories like the United Arab Emirates and Brazil have included sustainable cooling into their recently submitted Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Meanwhile, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ghana, Japan, Kenya, Nigeria, Singapore, and Viet Nam, have announced intentions to incorporate cooling into their updated NDCs. Over the year 2024, 37 signatory countries indicated their consideration of cooling in their upcoming NDCs.

Furthermore, 17 Pledge signatories have now developed National Cooling Action Plans (NCAPs), with 4 additional under preparation with financial support from Denmark, CCAC, and ClimateWorks.

Additionally, there have been three new ratifications of the Kigali Amendment among Pledge Signatories this year.

Fifteen cities have also joined the Global Cooling Pledge as subnational signatories and at a national level, Grenada became the newest signatory to the Global Cooling Pledge during COP29.

 

Key takeaways from COP29

 

Ministers and leaders from over 30 countries, joined by partners from intergovernmental organizations and civil society, came together during the Ministerial Roundtable in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Several milestones were achieved, including the endorsement of the Pledge Progress Report, which highlights key achievements during 2024. Another outcome is the adoption of the 2030 Global Cooling Pledge Implementation Strategy which provides a detailed roadmap to operationalise commitments and scale global implementation of Pledge targets. This framework equips countries with the tools to expand sustainable cooling solutions and accelerate climate mitigation and adaptation.

 

The United Kingdom announced a $15 million pledge to fast-track sustainable cooling technologies, reduce emissions, and protect vulnerable communities from the intensifying impacts of extreme heat.

 

Brazil was unanimous appointed as Co-chair of the Global Cooling Pledge Contact Group, highlighting its emerging leadership as host of COP30 in Belém.

 

Finally, plans for an Intergovernmental Committee on Cooling (IGCC) were formally announced. This governance initiative, set to launch at COP30, will ensure greater diversity and inclusivity to enhance inter-governmental cooperation and accountability.

 

Find out more on the UNEP website.

 

The Global Cooling Pledge progress report is available on FRIDOC and on UNEP's Cool Coalition website.

 

 

Did you know? The International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) is a member of the Cool Coalition steering committee and supports the Global Cooling Pledge, in which it took part. Many non-state actors of the refrigeration sector also support the implementation of the Global Cooling Pledge, including IIR corporate members Carrier, Danfoss, Daikin.