Statement given by Didier Coulomb, Director General of the IIR, during COP 25

Dear Delegates,

 

Recently - this year at the G7 and the UN meetings - the refrigeration sector, which includes cold chain, air conditioning, cryogenics and heat pumps,was brought to the spotlight almost for the first time. With the words of Mr. António Guterres:

 

“Implementation of the Kigali Amendment will be front and centre for climate action. We need all countries to develop national cooling action plans to deliver efficient and sustainable cooling and bring essential life‑preserving services like vaccines and safe food to all people. We are calling for concrete and enhanced actions from industry. The leadership of global leading companies is essential to realize the vision into reality.”

 

Let us recall some figures:

• According to our estimates, refrigeration in all its applications represents nearly 20% of the electricity consumed in the world and this figure is constantly increasing.
• Energy consumption accounts for almost two thirds of the impact of refrigeration on climate change, while direct emissions of fluorinated gases contribute to the rest. Improving energy efficiency, phasing-out hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and reducing the emissions and use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) should be carried out simultaneously and as of now.

 

Still we must not forget that refrigeration is essential for human life and welfare.

 

The IIR works to achieving the sustainability goals in refrigeration, in partnership with UN agencies and programs,and international companies.

 

The IIR is at your disposal to accompany you in this essential journey.

 

Thank you.