Cool NDCs: Integrating the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Sector into Nationally Determined Contributions

The refrigeration and air conditioning sector is responsible for up to 10% of all global emissions – and it is growing rapidly. The transition to Green Cooling technologies can decrease these emissions significantly. Consequently, it is pivotal to develop cooling sector specific mitigation targets and measures that are integrated in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC).   

More than half the countries that updated their NDCs have recognized the relevance of the cooling sector, and specifically the importance to mitigate hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) emissions. However, there is still a huge gap in terms of concrete measures and implementation strategies.  

Considering the importance and significant mitigation potential of the RAC sector for more ambitious and enhanced NDCs, this side event will provide guidance on how to appropriately cover the cooling sector in an NDC. Furthermore, it addresses the question how the ambition of cooling sector targets can be increased once the NDC is updated.