India is set to abstain from endorsing a global commitment to curb cooling-related emissions at the upcoming COP 28 climate summit, as per government officials.Citing the necessity for affordable cooling solutions in the world’s most populous nation, Indian authorities have expressed concerns about the financial burden and potential economic implications of the proposed pledge.
The United Nations Environment Programme’s Cool Coalition, in collaboration with the United Arab Emirates as the host of COP28, developed the pledge, aiming to slash cooling-related carbon dioxide emissions by a minimum of 68% by 2050 compared to 2022 levels. However, this target necessitates substantial investments to transition to sustainable cooling technologies, potentially leading to increased costs for such products.
The final decision on the cooling pledge is expected to be announced during the annual climate conference in Dubai scheduled from November 30 to December 12. Given India’s status as a critical player in global emissions reduction efforts, Brian Dean, the head of energy efficiency and cooling at Sustainable Energy for All, emphasized the significance of India’s potential endorsement, acknowledging the country’s proactive approach to cooling with the India Cooling Action Plan.
The officials, who preferred to remain anonymous due to the ongoing deliberations regarding India’s stance, highlighted India’s commitment to the 1992 multilateral Montreal Protocol, regulating the production and consumption of ozone-depleting chemicals and hydrofluorocarbons used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and insulation. Notably, India’s environment ministry did not respond to requests for comments on the matter, as per a Reuters report.
Under its own cooling action plan unveiled in 2019, India aims to curtail its power demand for cooling across sectors by 20%-25% by 2038. With projections indicating a substantial surge in electricity consumption for household air conditioners, India remains cautious about committing to investments that might potentially escalate the cost of cooling, given its relatively low per capita emissions and energy consumption.
While acknowledging the pledge as an avenue for potential financial support from other countries and philanthropic organizations, Dean emphasized the significant role the pledge could play in assisting countries with necessary funding to support sustainable cooling initiatives.
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