The surge in demand for cooling systems could worsen the global climate emergency if there are no sustainable solutions, according to a report published on Wednesday on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The volume of this sector, dominated by air conditioners but also including refrigerators, cold chains, and transport, is set to increase sevenfold in Africa and fourfold in Asia by 2050, according to the report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Bank's private sector arm.
These nations are particularly vulnerable to the deadly effects of rising temperatures and urgently need cooling solutions, IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop said in a statement.
Often located in areas that are already hot, developing countries are experiencing rising temperatures, population growth, urbanisation, and economic expansion, which fuel this demand.
Their cooling system emissions accounted for two-thirds of the global total in 2022 and are expected to rise to 80% by 2050, the report states.
Globally, rising temperatures cause deaths and economic hardships, while a lack of cold chains leads to vaccine spoilage, affecting infant mortality, and post-harvest losses, a scourge for food security, the report adds.
Noting that staying cool is essential for healthy communities and a healthy environment, UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen stressed that care must be taken to avoid creating a vicious cycle where cooling demand is met with solutions that further warm the planet.
The highly energy-intensive cooling sector already consumes 20% of global electricity, and demand is expected to triple by 2050, the report says.
UNEP and the IFC, part of a 'Cool Coalition' with 130 partners, advocate for the development of sustainable, energy-efficient solutions that could halve related emissions and significantly reduce electricity bills.
The two organisations urge the private sector to invest in a market projected to grow from $300 billion to $600 billion per year by 2050 in developing countries.
They also highlight the importance of developing “passive” solutions, such as reflective materials or tree planting to promote shade.
