A recent report from the University of Birmingham’s Centre for Sustainable Cooling underscores the urgent need for governments and policymakers to reframe cooling systems as critical national infrastructure (CNI). This shift in perspective is crucial for addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change and ensuring long-term resilience.
Professor Toby Peters, Director of the Centre for Sustainable Cooling and co-author of the report, highlights the importance of this realignment. “Cooling is fundamental to our safety, health, food security, and economic well-being,” he states. “Our pressing challenge is to meet these basic needs for all people while managing natural resources wisely and mitigating future risks.” The report reveals that cooling systems currently account for over 10% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, a significant contributor to climate change. Professor Peters emphasises that the dual objective is to expand access to efficient cooling technologies while simultaneously reducing GHG emissions to combat climate change.
Critical national infrastructure, as defined by the UK government, includes facilities and services whose compromise could lead to severe disruptions of essential functions, with potential consequences for national security and public safety. By this definition, cooling systems are poised to become a core component of national infrastructure strategies. The report advocates for a paradigm shift where cooling is integrated into national planning frameworks akin to energy, water, and transportation systems. To meet this challenge, the report recommends several actions for both the academic community and industry leaders. Researchers are called upon to develop innovative tools, methodologies, and business models that can help policymakers anticipate future cooling requirements and design more efficient systems. Concurrently, industry leaders are urged to focus on the development and commercialisation of cooling technologies that are not only effective and sustainable but also equitable and inclusive.
The report also outlines the role of civil society organisations (CSOs) in supporting this transition. CSOs are expected to play a crucial role in advocating for gender-responsive, just, and inclusive cooling solutions that meet diverse community needs. Their involvement will be pivotal in shaping policies that ensure efficient cooling systems are accessible to all, particularly in underserved regions. As global temperatures rise and the demand for cooling increases, recognising cooling as a critical national infrastructure is more urgent than ever. The report provides compelling evidence for why cooling systems must be at the forefront of climate adaptation strategies, calling for a concerted effort from governments, researchers, and industry leaders to address this pressing issue.
