Keeping Cool in a Warming World

As temperatures around the globe soar, air conditioning and refrigeration are critical, not only for comfort, but for all aspects of life. By 2050, cooling demand is set to triple—a projected 3 billion new air conditioners alone will be installed in the next few decades—straining electric grids and increasing emissions even more. In 2016, philanthropists came together to create the Clean Cooling Collaborative (CCC), a coalition mobilizing governments, industry stakeholders, financial institutions, and companies to act on making cooling more energy-efficient, climate-friendly and accessible.

CCC champions innovative cooling solutions that are better for the planet in critical regions like China, India, Southeast Asia, and the U.S., which collectively, are projected to generate 75 percent of cooling-related emissions by 2050. They work to raise ambition through initiatives like supporting countries’ efforts to incorporate clean cooling into their national climate plans and spurring businesses to accelerate the commercialization of air conditioners with up to five times lower climate impact than conventional units.

The need is urgent, and the stakes are high. Over 1.1 billion people are currently at high risk due to a lack of access to the cooling they need to keep safe. By promoting sustainable cooling solutions, CCC helps reduce emissions, strengthen communities, and protect lives.