Refrigeration and the IIR in the spotlight at COP 28

The Conference of the Parties on Climate Change took place in Dubai (United Arab Emirates) from 30 November to 13 December 2023. For the first time, refrigeration was given special attention. An appeal to countries to develop refrigeration, in particular the cold chain for food and health products and air conditioning, in a sustainable way (Global Cooling Pledge) was launched and signed by more than 60 countries. The IIR itself took part in the preparatory work and signed the pledge.  

 

At the same time, during these two weeks, the IIR shared a pavilion with UNEP and various public and private organisations, in partnership with the Montreal Protocol secretariat, where we organised five events dedicated to air conditioning, vaccines, young people, the cold chain for food and a project on proper freezing management of food, not to mention our active participation in the workshops organised by our partners. In addition, as every year, the Director General was invited to give a speech on the IIR and refrigeration during the high-level session.  

 

This is a great year for refrigeration, and the start of many future initiatives in which the IIR will play a key role.