Sustainable Cooling: How to Keep the World Cool Without Heating the Planet

As global temperatures rise, the demand for cooling is increasing. However, traditional cooling methods contribute significantly to climate change. The report Sustainable Cooling: How to Cool the World Without Warming the Planet outlines the urgent need for energy-efficient, renewable-powered, and smart cooling solutions. By implementing sustainable strategies, the world can ensure cooling remains effective without further harming the environment.

With rising global temperatures and increasing urbanization, the world’s demand for cooling is surging. However, without intervention, traditional cooling methods will significantly worsen climate change. A recent report, Sustainable Cooling: How to Cool the World Without Warming the Planet, published by the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), highlights the urgent need for eco-friendly cooling solutions to mitigate environmental damage while keeping people, industries, and food supplies cool. Cooling is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity. From air conditioning in homes and offices to refrigeration for food and medicine, the demand for cooling is expected to skyrocket. But this growing need comes at a high cost: excessive energy consumption and increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. If left unchecked, the cooling sector alone could account for a major share of global energy use, putting immense pressure on electricity grids and accelerating climate change.

Most conventional cooling systems rely on fossil-fuel-generated electricity and refrigerants such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). These refrigerants have a high global warming potential (GWP), making them significant contributors to climate change. Moreover, the strain of high cooling demand often leads to power blackouts, especially in regions already grappling with energy shortages. The report calls for a transformation in how the world approaches cooling. Sustainable solutions can significantly cut emissions while improving efficiency. Among the most promising strategies are modernizing air conditioners and refrigeration systems with high-efficiency models to reduce energy use by up to 50%. Solar-powered cooling systems can reduce dependence on fossil fuels, making cooling both cleaner and more affordable. Green urban planning—such as tree shading, reflective building materials, and improved ventilation—can minimize the need for artificial cooling. Governments play a crucial role in enforcing stricter efficiency standards, phasing out HFCs, and investing in research and development for next-generation cooling technologies.

New technologies are making sustainable cooling more feasible than ever. Advanced district cooling systems, which distribute chilled water across multiple buildings, improve efficiency and reduce waste. Additionally, thermal energy storage can help optimize cooling during peak hours, reducing the burden on power grids. Smart cooling systems powered by artificial intelligence (AI) are also emerging, adjusting temperatures dynamically to optimize energy use. International initiatives such as the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol aim to phase out HFCs in favor of climate-friendly refrigerants. Many countries have already developed national cooling plans to integrate sustainable solutions into their energy policies. Meanwhile, the private sector is increasingly investing in clean cooling innovations to reduce environmental impact while meeting consumer demand.

To prevent cooling from becoming a climate crisis accelerator, coordinated efforts are needed. The report recommends boosting investment in low-GWP refrigerants and energy-efficient cooling technologies, strengthening global cooperation to promote best practices in sustainable cooling, and supporting developing nations in adopting eco-friendly cooling solutions through financial aid and technology transfer. Cooling is essential, but it must be done sustainably. The findings in Sustainable Cooling: How to Cool the World Without Warming the Planet emphasize that without urgent action, the environmental cost of cooling will continue to rise. By embracing energy efficiency, renewable energy, and smart design, the world can enjoy the benefits of cooling without accelerating climate change. Sustainable cooling is not just a choice—it’s a necessity for a livable planet.