Events, 14 October 2024
With 2023 marked as the hottest year on record and 2024 expected to follow suit, the threat of extreme heat demands immediate global action. Sustainable cooling is more critical than ever - not only as a way to build resilience against increasingly frequent heatwaves but also as a means to reduce emissions from the cooling sector, which in turn contributes to global warming. Whether it’s through more sustainable cooling technologies or increasing access to heat solutions for vulnerable communities, the time to act is now.
This urgency was felt throughout Climate Week NYC 2024, where the theme, “It’s Time,” resonated across a series of events focused on cooling solutions. From deploying cool surfaces to mitigate urban heat islands to advancing financing strategies for sustainable cooling in developing nations, these sessions emphasized the importance of people-centered approaches that address both climate mitigation and adaptation.
A shared understanding drove these discussions: advancing equitable, scalable cooling solutions is essential not only to protect vulnerable communities but also to foster a sustainable future. Here are some of the most compelling events that shaped the conversation.
At the Climate Resolve event, participants focused on using cool surfaces—like reflective roofs, walls, and pavements - to combat the urban heat island effect and deliver global climate benefits. The event also highlighted the Shine On Initiative, supported by the Climate Commitment Coalition (CCC). The session featured panels on the science behind reflective materials and their climate impact, followed by discussions on practical implementation, with insights from California’s Cool Community Project.
A roundtable on cooling finance in Southeast Asia, hosted by Climate Resilience for All and CCC, brought together financial leaders, including the World Bank and IFC, to explore investment strategies for sustainable cooling. The session emphasized the importance of blended finance and data-driven decision-making to catalyze investments in clean cooling technologies in the region.
During a panel on sustainable cooling in India, representatives from organizations like CLASP, NRDC India, and SEWA discussed pathways for deploying clean cooling technologies at scale while minimizing climate impacts. They highlighted the importance of promoting super-efficient appliances to avoid overburdening the power grid and closing the cooling access gap for marginalized communities.
One of the event’s highlights was an IFC and UNEP session, where the IFC launched a report titled "Mobilizing Investment for the Developing World’s Sustainable Cooling Needs". The report outlined critical steps for scaling financing solutions tailored to the unique challenges of cooling in developing markets, emphasizing the need for multilateral cooperation, stronger regulations, and innovative financing models.
As climate change intensifies, lethal humidity is becoming an alarming public health concern. At Climate Week, the Minderoo Foundation announced funding for 10 research projects, including one to develop a global early warning system for deadly humid heatwaves. The foundation also launched the Lethal Humidity Global Council (LHCC), focusing on the intersection of cooling and public health.
At an event co-hosted by RMI and IEA, participants underscored the importance of energy efficiency in cooling and the need to double efficiency progress by 2030. This shift is crucial, as many cooling units sold globally operate far below the efficiency of top models. A new focus on communications strategies was identified as key to driving investment in energy efficiency.
The cooling-related events at Climate Week NYC 2024 showcased a wide range of solutions - from community-based projects to large-scale financial strategies - that are already making a difference. Whether through innovative technology, local partnerships, or global financing initiatives, cooling will play a vital role in building climate resilience for the future.
As the planet continues to warm, equitable access to cooling is no longer just a matter of comfort - it’s a matter of survival. By focusing on innovation, collaboration, and people-centered solutions, the global community can continue making strides toward a cooler, more sustainable world.
