Daily Current Affairs : 6-December-2023

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has recently put forth an action plan that holds the promise of transforming the global cooling sector into a more sustainable entity. The primary goal of this initiative is to curtail predicted greenhouse gas emissions by a substantial 60% come 2050.

Current Scenario:

The cooling sector, often underestimated but crucial for combating escalating temperatures, upholding food quality, and bolstering economies, is currently responsible for a notable 20% of the world’s electricity consumption.

Alarming Projections:

If left unchecked, the installed capacity of cooling equipment is on track to triple by the year 2050. This alarming surge would consequently lead to a twofold increase in electricity usage and a staggering emission of 4.4 to 6.1 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. Urgent intervention is imperative.

Proposed Measures:

The proposed action plan encompasses a multifaceted approach to mitigate the impending crisis. Key measures include:

  • Passive Cooling: Emphasizing methods that don’t rely heavily on electricity, such as natural ventilation and strategic building designs.
  • Higher Energy Efficiency Standards: Implementing stringent standards to ensure that cooling equipment operates with maximum efficiency, minimizing energy wastage.
  • Accelerated Phasedown of Refrigerants: A pivotal aspect involves expediting the reduction of climate-warming refrigerants. This is critical in preventing further environmental damage.
  • Faster Phasedown of HFC: Surpassing the stipulations of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, the plan calls for a quicker reduction in hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) usage, aiming to curb its detrimental impact on the atmosphere.
Important Points:
  • Current Scenario:
    • The cooling sector, vital for temperature control, food preservation, and economic support, currently consumes 20% of global electricity.
  • Alarming Projections:
    • Without intervention, the installed capacity of cooling equipment is set to triple by 2050.
    • This surge would double electricity consumption and result in 4.4 to 6.1 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions.
  • Proposed Measures:
    • Passive Cooling:
      • Emphasizes natural ventilation and strategic building designs to reduce reliance on electricity.
    • Higher Energy Efficiency Standards:
      • Implements stringent standards to maximize efficiency and minimize energy wastage in cooling equipment.
    • Accelerated Phasedown of Refrigerants:
      • Aims to reduce the use of climate-warming refrigerants, preventing further environmental damage.
    • Faster Phasedown of HFC:
      • Exceeds the Kigali Amendment requirements, calling for a quicker reduction in hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) usage.
Why In News

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has proposed an action plan to make the global cooling sector more sustainable, aiming to reduce predicted greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2050, thereby fostering a greener and more resilient future for generations to come.

MCQs about Sustainable Transformation of the Global Cooling Sector

  1. What is the primary objective of UNEP’s action plan for the global cooling sector?
    A. Increase greenhouse gas emissions by 60%
    B. Reduce electricity consumption by 60% by 2050
    C. Triple the installed capacity of cooling equipment
    D. Make the global cooling sector more sustainable by reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2050
    Correct Answer: D. Make the global cooling sector more sustainable by reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2050
    Explanation: The UNEP’s action plan aims to make the global cooling sector more sustainable by reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2050.
  2. What is the potential consequence of not intervening in the cooling sector by 2050?
    A. Decreased electricity consumption
    B. Tripling of installed cooling equipment capacity
    C. Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
    D. Compliance with the Kigali Amendment
    Correct Answer: B. Tripling of installed cooling equipment capacity
    Explanation: Without intervention, the installed capacity of cooling equipment is projected to triple by 2050.
  3. Which of the following is NOT a proposed measure in UNEP’s action plan for the global cooling sector?
    A. Passive cooling strategies
    B. Higher energy efficiency standards
    C. Accelerated phasedown of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC)
    D. Increased use of climate-warming refrigerants
    Correct Answer: D. Increased use of climate-warming refrigerants
    Explanation: The one of the proposed measures is an accelerated phasedown of climate-warming refrigerants, not an increase in their use.

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