Kenya launches National Cooling Action Plan
In a warming world, access to sustainable cooling is not a luxury. It is an issue of equity increasingly tied to climate resilience and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 7 – affordable and clean energy for all. It is therefore laudable that last week Kenya launched its National Cooling Action Plan (NCAP) that defines the country’s ambition towards sustainable cooling.
This plan is in line with the country’s climate commitments of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 30 percent or 143 Mt CO2 by 2030. Direct emissions from cooling equipment have a significant contribution to Kenya’s emissions, estimated to be 4.1 Mt CO2 as of 2023.
This multi-sectoral five-year plan seeks to support four development aspirations: reliable cold chains to enhance food security and nutrition; refrigeration to preserve vaccines and medical supplies; affordable, modern, and efficient cooling appliances for households; and reduced energy consumption through energy-efficient cooling at an industrial level. Furthermore, the plan will elevate access to sustainable cooling as a priority in the Kenya Government Climate Action Agenda while ensuring there is actionable implementation at the sub-national level.
