【环球财经】联合国预计到2050年全球制冷需求增两倍以上

Core Insights - The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) projects that global cooling demand will triple by 2050, exacerbating global warming and increasing the burden on power grids [1][2] - The report titled "Global Cooling Outlook 2025" highlights that the fastest growth in cooling demand will occur in Africa and South Asia due to rising population, wealth, and extreme heat events [1] Group 1: Environmental Impact - Greenhouse gas emissions related to cooling are expected to rise significantly, reaching 7.2 billion tons of CO2 equivalent by 2050, nearly double the levels of 2022 [1] - UNEP emphasizes the need to rethink cooling as a cornerstone of heat resilience and sustainable development rather than a source of emissions [1] Group 2: Sustainable Cooling Solutions - UNEP recommends adopting "sustainable cooling pathways," focusing on passive cooling technologies, low energy consumption, and hybrid cooling methods that combine fans and air conditioning [2] - If widely implemented, these sustainable cooling methods could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 64% by 2050, protect 3 billion people from extreme heat, save $17 trillion in energy costs, and avoid $26 trillion in grid investments [2] Group 3: Passive Cooling Strategies - UNEP particularly advocates for passive cooling solutions, such as optimizing wall and roof designs, shading, and improving ventilation, which can lower indoor temperatures by 0.5 to 8 degrees Celsius [2] - The executive director of UNEP stresses that cooling facilities must be regarded as essential infrastructure, akin to water, energy, and sanitation, and that passive, energy-efficient, and nature-based solutions are crucial for meeting growing cooling demands while achieving global climate goals [2]