Global Nations Convened to Address Sustainable Cooling
Representatives from 60 countries met in Singapore to discuss financing mechanisms for green cooling technologies.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Environmental
Live Poll
Should governments take a larger role in funding the adoption of energy-efficient cooling technology?
The United Nations Environment Programme organized the inaugural Global Cooling Pledge Assembly to address the global need for sustainable climate control. Delegates gathered to explore how financing and carbon credit schemes can accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient technology.
Why it matters
The scarcity of funding and the lower cost of inefficient equipment currently hinder the transition to sustainable cooling, which is essential as extreme weather becomes more frequent. Bridging this investment gap is crucial for meeting the rising demand for cooling in developing economies.
Approximately 75 percent of air-conditioners currently operating in South-east Asia are deemed inefficient. By 2050, the market for cooling solutions in developing economies is projected to grow to at least US$600 billion per year.
The players
United Nations Environment Programme
This is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development.
Switzerland
This nation is participating in a pilot carbon credit scheme intended to fund green cooling technology projects in developing countries.
Ghana
This country serves as a partner in an emerging international carbon credit framework designed to subsidize the transition to efficient cooling systems.
The details
Development banks are considering lowering interest rates for companies by assuming partial risk for new, energy-efficient product lines. Meanwhile, Switzerland and Ghana are piloting a carbon credit scheme where credits are generated by replacing high-energy equipment with sustainable alternatives.
Timeline
The Global Cooling Pledge Assembly took place from September 15 to September 18, 2026.
A high-level session on cooling finance was conducted on September 18, 2026.
New outdoor worker safety requirements begin in Singapore on December 1, 2026.
Malaysia faces potential 40 deg C extreme heat between January and May 2027.
All Singapore housing estates are scheduled to be coated with cool paint by 2030.
Deeper Dive
The assembly represents the inaugural implementation phase of the Global Cooling Pledge, moving from goal setting to actionable financial mechanisms.
Innovations such as cool paint, which reduces ambient temperatures, offer a practical method for lowering heat in residential environments. These cooling measures will eventually impact urban planning and the daily thermal comfort of residents in rapidly warming regions.
The takeaway
Global climate control efforts are shifting toward financial risk-sharing models to make energy-efficient technology affordable. For individuals and businesses, this transition emphasizes the growing necessity of adopting passive cooling strategies like reflective surfaces and efficient equipment.
What happens next
Singapore will implement new mandatory outdoor worker safety requirements, including the provision of breathable uniforms and cooling supplies, starting December 1, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest initiatives in the Environmental section.
Live Poll
Should governments take a larger role in funding the adoption of energy-efficient cooling technology?
