COOLING is essential for modern living, but it also presents a significant challenge in the fight against climate change. Traditional cooling methods contribute to substantial carbon emissions, exacerbating global warming. Cooling is responsible for a significant portion of global energy consumption. In 2020, cooling systems accounted for nearly 10 per cent of worldwide electricity use, equating to approximately 2,000 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity (International Energy Agency, 2021). This is more than the combined electricity consumption of Africa and Latin America. The growth in cooling demand is largely driven by rising global temperatures, economic development, and urbanisation. The IEA projects that by 2050, global energy demand for cooling could triple, driven by a combination of increasing temperatures and rising incomes, particularly in emerging economies (IEA, 2021). Without intervention, this could lead to a significant increase in greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, cooling-related emissions amount to about 1.1 billion tonnes of CO2 annually, or approximately 3 per cent of global GHG emissions (IEA, 2021). This figure is projected to rise as demand for cooling increases, particularly in regions experiencing rapid urbanisation and economic growth, such as South Asia and Southeast Asia.
Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including extreme heat. According to the World Bank, by 2050, Bangladesh could experience an increase in temperature extremes of 10鈥�15 per cent, which would significantly heighten the demand for cooling (World Bank, 2020). The demand for air conditioning in Bangladesh is growing rapidly, with annual growth rates estimated at 15-20 per cent (Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, 2022). Despite this rapid growth, air conditioning remains a luxury for many in Bangladesh. As of 2021, only about 10 per cent of Bangladeshi households had air conditioning, compared to over 90 per cent in developed countries like the United States (World Bank, 2021). This disparity highlights the significant room for growth in cooling demand, which will place additional pressure on the country鈥檚 electricity grid. Bangladesh鈥檚 electricity generation is heavily reliant on natural gas, which accounts for approximately 65 per cent of the country鈥檚 energy mix (Power Division, Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources, Bangladesh, 2021). This dependency on fossil fuels means that any increase in cooling demand will likely result in higher carbon emissions unless significant steps are taken to improve energy efficiency and transition to renewable energy sources.
The environmental impact of conventional cooling systems is substantial. Traditional air conditioners typically use hydrofluorocarbons as refrigerants. HFCs are potent greenhouse gases with a global warming potential up to 12,400 times greater than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period (United Nations Environment Programme, 2019). HFC emissions are growing at a rate of 10-15 per cent per year, and if left unchecked, could account for up to 19 per cent of global GHG emissions by 2050 (UNEP, 2019). This makes the phase-out of HFCs a critical component of global climate policy. In addition to direct emissions from refrigerants, air conditioners consume large amounts of electricity, most of which is generated from fossil fuels. In Bangladesh, the majority of electricity comes from natural gas, leading to significant indirect emissions. The increased use of air conditioning also drives peak electricity demand, which can result in blackouts and higher electricity prices. For instance, during the summer of 2021, peak electricity demand in Bangladesh surged to nearly 14,000 megawatts, compared to an installed capacity of 23,548 MW (Bangladesh Power Development Board, 2021). The gap between demand and reliable supply often leads to load shedding, disrupting both daily life and economic activities.
Advances in technology offer promising solutions to reduce the carbon footprint of cooling systems. Improving the energy efficiency of air conditioners is one of the most effective strategies. The IEA estimates that improving the efficiency of air conditioners could reduce global cooling energy demand by 45 per cent by 2050, avoiding 2,500 TWh of electricity demand 鈥� equivalent to the entire annual electricity consumption of India today (IEA, 2021). Several companies are at the forefront of developing energy-efficient cooling technologies. Daikin, a leading Japanese manufacturer, has introduced air conditioners that use the refrigerant R-32, which has a GWP of 675 鈥� significantly lower than the commonly used HFC-410A, which has a GWP of 2,088 (Daikin, 2021). This reduces both direct and indirect emissions associated with cooling. In India, Godrej has developed air conditioners that use hydrocarbons (HCs) like R-290 as refrigerants. These have a GWP of only 3, making them much less harmful to the environment (Godrej Appliances, 2021). Moreover, these air conditioners are designed to be more energy-efficient, consuming up to 30 per cent less electricity compared to conventional models.
Another promising innovation is solar cooling, which uses solar energy to power cooling systems. Solar cooling is particularly effective in regions with high solar insolation, such as Bangladesh. The Asian Development Bank has been supporting pilot projects in Bangladesh to develop solar-powered air conditioning systems, which could significantly reduce reliance on grid electricity and lower emissions (ADB, 2021). Passive cooling technologies, which reduce the need for mechanical cooling, are also gaining traction. Techniques such as reflective roofing, natural ventilation, and strategic shading can lower indoor temperatures by several degrees celsius, reducing the need for air conditioning (Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, 2020).
To address the environmental impacts of cooling, several global initiatives have been launched. The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which came into force in 2019, mandates the phasedown of HFCs, with developed countries required to reduce their HFC consumption by 85 per cent by 2036 and developing countries, including Bangladesh, by 2045 (UNEP, 2021). The full implementation of the Kigali Amendment could prevent up to 0.5掳C of global warming by 2100 (UNEP, 2021).
In Bangladesh, the government has taken steps to promote low-carbon cooling through the National Cooling Plan, launched in 2020. The plan outlines strategies to improve the energy efficiency of cooling appliances, promote the use of natural refrigerants, and encourage the adoption of alternative cooling technologies (Bangladesh Department of Environment, 2020). However, the implementation of these policies faces challenges, including weak enforcement of energy efficiency standards and limited public awareness. Access to cooling is not just an environmental issue but also a matter of social equity. In Bangladesh, the wealthier segments of society are more likely to have air conditioning, while poorer households rely on less effective methods like fans or natural ventilation. This disparity is exacerbated by the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves, which disproportionately affect those without access to adequate cooling. A 2021 report by the Overseas Development Institute highlighted that the poorest households in Bangladesh are most vulnerable to the health impacts of extreme heat. These households often live in overcrowded, poorly ventilated homes, making them more susceptible to heat-related illnesses and deaths (ODI, 2021). Gender disparities also exist in access to cooling. Women, who are more likely to spend time indoors and are often responsible for household chores, face greater exposure to indoor heat. Additionally, women in low-income households have less control over financial decisions, limiting their access to cooling technologies (International Institute for Environment and Development, 2021). Addressing these inequities requires targeted policies to improve access to affordable and energy-efficient cooling technologies. Public awareness campaigns and subsidies for low-income households could help bridge the gap, ensuring that vulnerable populations are not left behind in the transition to low-carbon cooling.
Consumer behaviour plays a crucial role in the adoption of low-carbon cooling technologies. In Bangladesh, awareness of energy efficiency remains low. A survey by the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies found that only 30 per cent of households were aware of energy efficiency labels on appliances, and even fewer used this information to guide their purchasing decisions (BIDS, 2021). Raising public awareness about the benefits of low-carbon cooling and energy-efficient appliances is essential. Government-led campaigns, education programmes in schools, and partnerships with civil society organisations can help increase awareness and encourage the adoption of more sustainable cooling practices. Behavioural changes, such as setting air conditioners to higher temperatures (e.g., 24-26掳C instead of 18-20掳C) and using fans to circulate air, can significantly reduce energy consumption. Research has shown that even small adjustments in thermostat settings can lead to energy savings of up to 20 per cent (IEA, 2021). Innovative approaches, such as 鈥榥udges,鈥� can also help influence consumer behaviour. For example, providing real-time feedback on energy consumption through smart thermostats can encourage users to adopt more energy-efficient practices. A study by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy found that households with smart thermostats reduced their cooling energy use by an average of 10鈥�15 per cent (ACEEE, 2021).
The transition to low-carbon cooling has significant geopolitical implications, particularly in terms of energy security and global trade. As countries reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, there will be shifts in global energy markets, with potential economic impacts for major oil and gas exporters. The adoption of low-carbon cooling technologies could reduce global demand for fossil fuels, particularly natural gas, which is commonly used to generate electricity for cooling. This could lead to lower global energy prices, impacting the economies of countries that are heavily dependent on fossil fuel exports, such as Russia and the Middle Eastern nations (IEA, 2021). Conversely, countries that lead in the development and deployment of low-carbon technologies, such as China and the European Union, could gain a strategic advantage. China is already the world鈥檚 largest producer of solar panels and air conditioners, and its dominance in these markets could grow as demand for low-carbon cooling technologies increases (IEA, 2021).
For Bangladesh, the shift to low-carbon cooling presents both challenges and opportunities. The country is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and has a strong interest in promoting low-carbon cooling to reduce emissions and improve energy security. However, the country will need to navigate these challenges carefully, securing access to finance and technology to support the transition. Bangladesh can also play a leadership role in international efforts to promote low-carbon cooling. As a member of the Climate Vulnerable Forum, Bangladesh has been at the forefront of global climate action and can use its position to advocate for greater support for low-carbon cooling initiatives in developing countries (CVF, 2021). The transition to low-carbon cooling is not just a necessity but also an economic opportunity. Improving the energy efficiency of cooling technologies could generate significant cost savings. The IEA estimates that energy efficiency improvements in cooling could save up to $1.5 trillion in energy costs by 2050 (IEA, 2021).
In Bangladesh, the adoption of energy-efficient air conditioners and other low-carbon cooling technologies could reduce electricity consumption, easing pressure on the country鈥檚 electricity grid and lowering costs for consumers. This, in turn, could boost economic growth by reducing energy costs for businesses and households. The development and deployment of low-carbon cooling technologies could also create new jobs and economic opportunities in Bangladesh. The International Labour Organisation projects that the shift to a low-carbon economy could create 24 million new jobs globally by 2030, with many of these jobs in the manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of energy-efficient cooling systems (ILO, 2021). Bangladesh has the potential to become a hub for the production of energy-efficient air conditioners and other cooling technologies. The country has a strong manufacturing base, particularly in the electronics sector, which could be leveraged to meet the growing demand for low-carbon cooling technologies both domestically and internationally (Export Promotion Bureau of Bangladesh, 2021).
The global demand for cooling is set to increase dramatically in the coming decades, driven by rising temperatures, economic growth, and urbanisation. However, meeting this demand with traditional cooling technologies would significantly exacerbate climate change. Low-carbon cooling offers a viable solution that can meet the growing demand for cooling while reducing carbon emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change. For Bangladesh, the transition to low-carbon cooling is both a necessity and an opportunity. The country is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and must take urgent action to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency. At the same time, the shift to low-carbon cooling presents significant economic opportunities, including cost savings, job creation, and the potential to become a leader in the production of energy-efficient cooling technologies. To achieve these goals, Bangladesh will need to implement a comprehensive strategy that includes improving energy efficiency standards, promoting the adoption of low-carbon cooling technologies, and raising public awareness about the benefits of energy efficiency. With the right policies, technologies, and public engagement, Bangladesh can lead the way in adopting sustainable cooling solutions, ensuring a cooler, more sustainable future for all.
听
Galib Nakib Rahman is an environmentally conscious engineer.