UN announces global strategy to protect people from extreme heat at inaugural conference in S’pore
This was announced in Singapore at the inaugural Global Cooling Pledge Assembly.
The United Nations (UN) has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to safeguard individuals from the deadly impact of extreme heat, with Singapore serving as the inaugural host. The Global Heat Resilience Roadmap, set to be unveiled at the Parkroyal on Beach Road hotel, aims to tackle water and food security, educational establishments, healthcare facilities, workplaces, and energy infrastructure vulnerabilities during heatwaves.
The roadmap, spearheaded by the UN Environment Programme, convenes over 60 nations to devise methods to diminish carbon emissions from air-conditioning. Passive cooling techniques, such as optimizing building designs for better natural ventilation and planting trees for shade, are encouraged to avert increased greenhouse gas emissions from excessive air-conditioning usage.
Cooling systems currently account for approximately 20% of global electricity consumption, with demand expected to surge by more than threefold by 2050. The UN aims to reduce emissions from cooling by 68% by the same year. The Intergovernmental Committee on Cooling, comprising more than 70 nations, is responsible for implementing this initiative.
The roadmap will build upon existing national plans, such as Singapore's Heat Resilience Policy Office and its heatwave response plan, which includes the establishment of over 300 cooling centers equipped with air-conditioning. Singapore was also honored with the inaugural Cool Leaders award from UNEP for its commitment to heat resilience and sustainable cooling.
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