Global Cooling Watch 2025 Report

14.11.2025

Global Cooling Watch 2025 Report

Context

At COP30, UNEP released the Global Cooling Watch 2025 Report, warning that cooling demand may nearly triple by 2050, sharply increasing emissions and stressing power systems, especially in heat-vulnerable developing regions.

About the Report

Background:

UNEP’s second global assessment of cooling’s energy, environmental, and equity impacts, forming the scientific basis for the Global Cooling Pledge.

Published by:

UNEP under COP30.

Aim:

To analyse cooling demand trends, future emissions, and outline a Sustainable Cooling Pathway targeting near-zero emissions with fair access.

Key Trends and Findings

• Rising Cooling Demand:

Cooling capacity may rise from 22 TW (2022) to 58 TW by 2050 due to urbanisation, income growth, and intense heatwaves.

• Emission Surge:

Cooling-related emissions could reach 10.5 billion tonnes CO₂-eq by 2050, almost double 2022 levels without reforms.

• Developing Country Growth:

Article 5 countries may see cooling demand grow fourfold, deepening technology and access gaps.

• Energy Consumption:

Electricity use for cooling may rise from 5,000 TWh to 18,000 TWh by 2050, increasing peak load pressures.

• Heat Inequality:

Over 2 billion people in low-income or tropical regions face extreme heat risks due to poor cooling access.

• Passive Cooling Potential:

Reflective roofs, natural ventilation, and green cover can lower indoor temperatures by up to 8°C and reduce energy use by 15–55%.

• HFC Transition:

Switching to low-GWP refrigerants can avoid up to 0.4°C global warming this century.

• Global Cooling Pledge:

Backed by 72 nations and 80 organisations, targeting a 68% reduction in cooling emissions by 2050.

Global Progress and Successes

• Stronger global cooperation through the Cooling Pledge.
   
• Wider adoption of passive cooling in Asia and Africa.
   
• Efficiency gains of nearly 50% through hybrid and low-energy cooling.
   
• Increased private-sector innovation and green financing.
   
• Improved frameworks for equitable cooling access.
   

Challenges and Barriers

• Deep inequalities in cooling access.
   
• Adaptation finance meets under 20% of needs.
   
• Fragmented cross-sector governance.
   
• Slow HFC phase-down and poor refrigerant waste handling.
   
• Fossil-based electricity limiting low-emission transition.
   

UNEP Recommendations

1. Sustainable Cooling Pathway:
    Combine efficiency, passive design, and clean energy.
    
2. Accelerated HFC Phase-Down:
    Follow Kigali guidelines and ensure full refrigerant recovery.
    
3. Green Finance Mobilisation:
    Use concessional finance, PPPs, and climate bonds.
    
4. Policy Reforms:
    Integrate passive cooling into building codes and planning.
    
5. Equity and Access:
    Provide subsidies and incentives for vulnerable communities.
    

Conclusion

The report warns that soaring cooling demand threatens climate stability but a sustainable cooling pathway can prevent most future emissions. Coordinated global action on clean technology, efficiency, finance, and equitable access is crucial for a heat-resilient future.