The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Cool Coalition introduced its Tamil Nadu Cooling and Extreme Heat Programme at the Tamil Nadu Climate Summit 3.0, held from February 4 to 5 in Chennai. The initiative seeks to combat urban heat stress, enhance energy efficiency, and integrate sustainable cooling solutions into the state’s urban planning strategies.
Tamil Nadu faces growing risks from extreme heat due to rapid urbanization and rising temperatures. With heatwaves becoming more frequent and intense, the state’s densely populated urban areas are increasingly vulnerable to the Urban Heat Island Effect - a phenomenon in which cities absorb and retain more heat than surrounding rural areas. This can severely impact public health, increase energy demand, and strain infrastructure.
During the summit, the UNEP Cool Coalition presented an Urban Heat Island Effect Study for Chennai, identifying areas most affected by rising temperatures and highlighting priority neighborhoods for targeted cooling interventions. The findings will guide Tamil Nadu’s climate resilience strategy, focusing on energy efficiency, green infrastructure, and nature-based solutions.
The programme emphasizes passive cooling measures, which reduce reliance on traditional air-conditioning through design innovations and nature-based solutions. Cambodia’s successful use of passive cooling in fast-growing cities was presented as a model for Tamil Nadu.
A key highlight of the summit was a district cooling demonstration developed in collaboration with Tabreed, a global district cooling provider and UNEP Cool Coalition partner. District cooling delivers chilled water to multiple buildings through a centralized system, cutting electricity consumption and reducing emissions compared to conventional air-conditioning. To encourage further adoption, UNEP has established a District Cooling Hub in India, offering policy support, technology transfer, and capacity-building resources.
The UNEP exhibit also featured an interactive cooling cities game, which engaged policymakers, students, and community members in exploring various cooling strategies. Interest in the Urban Heat Island Effect study and the UNEP’s cooling initiatives was significant, with the announcement of an emerging partnership between Tabreed and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) drawing attention. Over the next five years, this partnership aims to introduce 100,000 tons of refrigeration (TR) of new district cooling capacity across India.
The Tamil Nadu Cooling and Extreme Heat Programme reflects UNEP Cool Coalition’s ongoing efforts to expand district cooling networks, strengthen cold-chain infrastructure, and promote passive cooling. By partnering with governments, the private sector, and financial institutions, the programme aims to protect vulnerable communities, enhance urban resilience, and help India transition to sustainable cooling solutions in the face of rising temperatures.