A woman in Glendale, California uses an umbrella to hide from the sun on May 26, 2020.
Al Seib | Los Angeles Times | fake pictures
As the world warms up, converting to energy-efficient cooling systems is an important way to curb greenhouse gas emissions and limit climate change, according to a new report by the UN Environment Program and the Agency. Energy International.
A move to energy-efficient air conditioners could reduce up to 460 billion metric tons of global greenhouse gas emissions, or about eight years of emissions based on 2018 levels, over the next four decades, according to the report titled “Cooling Emissions and Policy Synthesis”.
Doubling the energy efficiency of air conditioners worldwide could also save $ 2.9 trillion by 2050, just by reducing electricity generation and distribution costs, according to the report. The IEA said that an additional $ 1 trillion in spending over the next three years could increase gross domestic product by 3.5%, decrease global carbon emissions and create millions of jobs.
On the current trajectory of warming, 2020 is almost certain to be among the hottest years in recorded history. 2019 was the second hottest year in history, culminating the hottest decade in the world in recorded history. Six of the warmest years on record were also in the past decade.
The number of air conditioning units worldwide is expected to quadruple by the middle of the century, from 3.6 billion to 14 billion. As a result, Earth will need to use five times as much energy to cool down as it does today. Electricity for cooling only would represent more than 80% of the IEA’s planned capacity for renewable energy by 2050.
“As governments launch massive economic stimulus packages to deal with the economic and social impacts of the Covid-19 crisis, they have a unique opportunity to accelerate progress on efficient and climate friendly cooling,” said Fatih Birol, executive director of the IEA. .
People play in the dew from the fire hydrant. At the 3rd and Spruce Recreation Center in Reading on Wednesday afternoon June 24, 2020 for the first Wednesday of Wacky Water.
Ben Hasty | Reading Eagle | fake pictures
“Higher efficiency standards are one of the most effective tools that governments have to meet energy and environmental targets,” said Birol. “By improving cooling efficiency, they can reduce the need for new power plants, reduce emissions, and save consumers money.”
A disproportionate number of low-income or minority people currently do not have air conditioning in their homes, and a large number of low-income people who have home units can only afford less energy-efficient systems that are worse for the home. . ambient.
The problem is now exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic, as public cooling centers are more difficult to access due to social distancing restrictions, and it is dangerous since the virus can spread through the air.
As countries invest in coronavirus recovery and create economic stimulus packages, the UN and IEA recommend in the report that governments implement plans for the transition to efficient cooling to reduce the effect of climate change, improve quality air and reduce food loss and waste.
One way countries can transition to climate-friendly refrigerants is through universal ratification of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, an international agreement signed in 2016 to gradually reduce the consumption and production of refrigerant gases. that are heated to the climate called hydrofluorocarbons.
The report also recommended that countries develop and implement minimum efficiency and performance standards and energy efficiency labeling to improve appliances, as well as promote building codes that reduce demand for refrigerant and mechanical cooling.
“As nations invest in the recovery of Covid-19, they have the opportunity to use their resources wisely to reduce climate change, protect nature and reduce the risks of new pandemics,” said Inger Andersen, executive director of UNEP.
“Efficient and climate friendly cooling can help achieve all of these goals,” Andersen said.
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