Explained | What is Global Cooling Pledge and why India is unlikely to join

The global cooling pledge is an initiative aimed at reducing cooling-related carbon dioxide emissions by at least 68% by 2050, compared to 2022 levels. The global cooling pledge was developed by the Cool Coalition, an initiative led by the United Nations Environment Programme, in collaboration with the United Arab Emirates, the host for COP28. 

What is its aim?

The aim of the pledge is to tackle climate change by greatly reducing the carbon dioxide emissions linked to cooling technologies like air conditioning and refrigeration.

What global cooling pledge will entail?

The pledge entails countries making significant investments to transition towards sustainable cooling technologies, which will consequently increase the cost of these products. It is anticipated that nations will publicly announce their stance on the cooling pledge during the annual climate conference scheduled in Dubai from November 30th to December 12th, 2023. 

Additionally, the cooling pledge presents an occasion for countries to secure funding from other nations and philanthropic organizations. It offers an opportunity for nations to receive financial support to aid their efforts in adopting sustainable cooling practices.

By opting for sustainable cooling technologies and embracing the pledge, countries can contribute to the larger goal of mitigating climate change. This approach not only aligns with global sustainability objectives but also encourages the development and adoption of innovative, eco-friendly cooling solutions. 

Why is the Indian decision to ‘join or not’ crucial?

With a combined population of over 2.8 billion, both India and China are major global economies and significant contributors to carbon emissions. India specifically stands out as “probably the single most important country,” as emphasized by Brian Dean, head of energy efficiency and cooling at Sustainable Energy for All, which played a vital role in developing the pledge. 

Why is India less likely to join?

While many countries have expressed support for this initiative, India, one of the world’s largest developing economies, is unlikely to sign the global cooling pledge. Reuters has recently quoted two government officials saying that India is unlikely to join the pledge ‘citing the need for the world’s most populous country to have affordable cooling.’

Reports indicate that India is not inclined to accept targets that exceed those agreed upon in 1992 within the multilateral Montreal Protocol. These targets aim to regulate the production and utilization of substances that deplete the ozone layer, as well as hydrofluorocarbons commonly found in refrigerators, air conditioners, and insulating foams.

As part of its own cooling action plan introduced in 2019, India has set forth the goal of reducing its power demand for cooling purposes across various sectors by 20% to 25% by the year 2038.

The Reuters report also quoted an anonymous government official highlighting that India possesses relatively low per capita emissions and energy consumption. However, the country’s cooling requirements are projected to increase significantly in the coming years and consequently, India is reluctant to commit to investments that could potentially raise the cost of cooling, thereby making it less accessible, the report added. 

What are some of the likely reasons behind India’s hesitance?

Some of the reasons behind India’s hesitance to sign and the challenges it faces in meeting the targets are:

Economic Considerations

India is still grappling with poverty and developmental challenges, and its primary focus is on enhancing economic growth, eradicating poverty, and improving living standards. Cooling technologies, such as air conditioners and refrigerators, play a crucial role in improving quality of life, particularly in a country with a predominantly hot climate. The prospect of limiting cooling-related emissions may be seen as a potential impediment to economic growth and meeting the needs of rapidly growing urban populations.

Energy Access

A significant portion of India’s population lacks access to reliable electricity, which limits their ability to enjoy cooling technologies. For many people, especially those in rural areas, access to cooling can be a matter of life and death during extreme heatwaves. Considering this, India may prioritize addressing the issue of energy poverty and providing accessible and affordable cooling solutions over committing to emission reduction targets.

Technological Challenges

One of the key challenges in meeting the global cooling pledge lies in the adoption of energy-efficient cooling technologies. While highly efficient solutions exist, they often come with high costs and may not be easily affordable for a country with a large population and diverse socio-economic backgrounds. India would need technological advancements and support, along with financial resources, to transition to sustainable cooling systems.

Developmental Priorities

India has made commitments to tackling climate change through its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) as per the Paris Agreement. However, its focus remains on other critical issues, such as poverty alleviation, healthcare, education, and sustainable infrastructure development. Given the resource constraints and competing priorities, India may view the global cooling pledge as secondary to these pressing concerns.

While the global cooling pledge is a significant step towards combating climate change and reducing cooling-related emissions, India’s hesitance to sign stems from economic considerations, energy access challenges, technological barriers, and competing developmental priorities. 

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