UN unveils Global Heat Resilience Roadmap at Singapore assembly to cut cooling emissions

The United Nations announced the Global Heat Resilience Roadmap at the inaugural Global Cooling Pledge Assembly in Singapore on September 17. The initiative aims to protect people from extreme heat while cutting carbon emissions from cooling, which already accounts for about 20 percent of global electricity use and could triple by 2050. The roadmap will cover practical steps for safeguarding water, food, schools, hospitals, workplaces, and energy infrastructure during heatwaves, with a target of reducing cooling emissions by 68 percent by 2050. Singapore received the inaugural Cool Leaders award from UNEP for its heat resilience efforts, including a Heat Resilience Policy Office and plans to open over 300 cooling centers during heatwaves. The assembly also discussed passive cooling solutions like natural ventilation and tree shading, as well as financing mechanisms to scale these measures. Countries have a couple of years to develop their strategies under the roadmap, building on existing national plans like Singapore's minimum energy performance standards for air conditioners.