Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: IE
Context: The Global Cooling Pledge, signed by 63 countries, including the US, Canada, and Kenya at COP28, commits to reducing cooling emissions by at least 68% by 2050.
- Cooling emissions, arising from refrigerants and energy used in appliances like ACs and refrigerators, currently account for 7% of global greenhouse gas emissions and are expected to triple by 2050.
- Refrigerants, such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), contribute significantly to global warming, with HFC-134a having a global warming potential 3,400 times that of CO2.
The solutions include the phasing-out of HFCs, promoting climate-friendly chemicals, proper disposal of refrigerants, and exploring ways to cool buildings without relying on air conditioners.
