Global Cooling Watch 2025 Report: Insights and Strategies

Overview of the Global Cooling Watch 2025 Report

Recently, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) published the Global Cooling Watch 2025 report, which emphasizes the increasing global demand for cooling and its environmental consequences. This report serves as a crucial resource for understanding how rising temperatures and urbanization impact cooling requirements and the associated emissions.

About the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Established in 1972, UNEP acts as the premier authority on global environmental challenges. It plays a vital role in addressing the triple planetary crisis — climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. UNEP serves as a neutral platform uniting Member States, civil society, the private sector, and UN agencies to collaborate on sustainable solutions and effective environmental governance.

Key Findings of Global Cooling Watch 2025

The report outlines several alarming trends regarding cooling demand and its implications for the environment.

• Rising Cooling Demand: It warns that global demand for cooling could triple by 2050, mainly due to population growth, increasing income levels, and inadequate access to efficient cooling technologies. If not addressed, emissions from cooling could nearly double, reaching 7.2 billion tons of CO₂e.
• Sustainable Cooling Pathway: The report advocates for a Sustainable Cooling Pathway that emphasizes passive, low-energy, and hybrid cooling solutions. Implementing these strategies could cut emissions by 64%, and potentially by up to 97% with the decarbonization of the power sector. This approach could save an estimated US$17 trillion in energy costs and US$26 trillion in grid infrastructure investments.

About the “Beat the Heat” Initiative

The Beat the Heat initiative focuses on localizing the Global Cooling Pledge to ensure equitable access to sustainable cooling solutions. Currently, it is backed by 185 cities and 72 nations, showcasing significant international interest. However, policy development is uneven, particularly in regions like Africa and the Asia-Pacific, where the need for cooling is escalating, yet infrastructure and governance are still underdeveloped.

Suggestions for Effective Cooling Management

The report suggests several proactive strategies to manage extreme heat and cooling demands effectively:

• Shift Toward Proactive Governance: A transition from reactive emergency strategies to proactive, multi-level governance is vital for addressing extreme heat.
• Cooling as a Public Good: UNEP emphasizes recognizing access to cooling and heat protection as essential public goods, ensuring that vulnerable communities are resilient and protected.
• Promoting Passive and Nature-Based Solutions: The report highlights the significance of passive and nature-based solutions, including climate-sensitive urban planning, increased green cover, and sustainable building design. These measures can drastically reduce cooling demand, mitigate urban heat island effects, and alleviate pressure on energy grids.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the main focus of the Global Cooling Watch 2025 report?
Answer: The report emphasizes the increasing global demand for cooling and its environmental implications, urging sustainable cooling practices to mitigate emissions.

Q2. Why is the Sustainable Cooling Pathway important?
Answer: It prioritizes low-energy and hybrid cooling solutions, significantly reducing emissions while offering substantial cost savings in energy and infrastructure.

Q3. What is the goal of the "Beat the Heat" initiative?
Answer: The initiative aims to localize the Global Cooling Pledge, ensuring equitable access to sustainable cooling solutions across various regions.

Q4. How can cooling be recognized as a public good?
Answer: By acknowledging access to cooling and heat protection as essential for vulnerable communities, ensuring their resilience against extreme heat events.

Q5. What role does UNEP play in global environmental governance?
Answer: UNEP acts as a leading authority on environmental issues, facilitating collaboration among nations, businesses, and civil society for sustainable solutions.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the predicted change in global cooling demand by 2050?
A) It will decrease significantly
B) It will remain stable
C) It could triple
D) It will double
Correct Answer: C

Question 2: What does the Sustainable Cooling Pathway emphasize?
A) High-energy cooling solutions
B) Passive and low-energy cooling solutions
C) Only hybrid cooling solutions
D) Traditional cooling methods
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: How much could implementing sustainable cooling measures potentially save in energy costs?
A) US$5 trillion
B) US$17 trillion
C) US$10 trillion
D) US$20 trillion
Correct Answer: B

Question 4: Why is the "Beat the Heat" initiative significant?
A) It focuses only on developed nations
B) It aims to ensure equitable cooling access
C) It has no international support
D) It promotes traditional cooling methods
Correct Answer: B

Question 5: What is a key recommendation for governance in the Global Cooling Watch 2025 report?
A) Reactive measures
B) Proactive multi-level governance
C) Individual state governance
D) Ignoring climate impacts
Correct Answer: B