International Gathering on Thermal Energy Strategies Held by Natural Resources Defense Council in India
Global Heat & Cooling Forum Concludes in New Delhi, Emphasizing Equitable Access to Sustainable Cooling Solutions
The Global Heat & Cooling Forum, an event that brings together key stakeholders from government, industry, academia, and non-governmental organizations, concluded today in New Delhi. Organized by NRDC, NDMA, DST, and The World Bank Group, the forum focused on practical strategies for addressing the global challenge of securing broader protection from extreme heat through sustainable cooling solutions.
Day 1 of the forum explored the interconnected nature of tackling extreme heat and sustainable cooling, with discussions on the Heat-Cooling Paradox and the need for strengthening governance frameworks and multi-stakeholder partnerships. On Day 2, the focus was on practical solutions and financing mechanisms, addressing equitable access to cooling, exploring passive cooling technologies, and nature-based solutions.
The forum centered on three strategic pillars: driving scalability of sustainable heat and cooling solutions, ensuring equitable access to thermal comfort, and protecting communities from extreme heat. Manish Bapna, President & CEO of NRDC, reinforced the commitment to work on extreme heat and sustainable cooling synergistically, focusing on equity and scalability.
Abhas Jha, Practice Manager at The World Bank, highlighted India's increasing extreme heat events and growing cooling demands, and the need for proactive, preventive, and multisectoral solutions. Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Minister of State for Rural Development and Communication, addressed the forum, emphasizing the humanitarian crisis of heat and the need for energy-efficient cooling systems.
Safi Ahsan Rizvi, Aaran Patel, Deepak Singh, Nidhi Upadhyaya, Sandeep Jain, and Daniel P Schrag discussed scalable financing models for heat resilience efforts, showcasing successful case studies in the Global South. The session concluded with insights from Daniel P Schrag on effective communication and storytelling, emphasizing community engagement and sustained investment in climate resilience.
The Global Heat & Cooling Forum emphasized ensuring access to affordable and effective cooling solutions for low-income and marginalized communities. The forum also provided advice and support to national and state stakeholders for the development and implementation of integrated solutions to the challenges of extreme heat and sustainable cooling.
NRDC, an international non-profit environmental organization with a focus on protecting natural resources, public health, and the environment, played a significant role in organizing the forum. The European Heat Pump Association (EHPA) was also involved in the organization of the event.
The Global Heat & Cooling Forum will not be the end of the conversation. NRDC, NDMA, DST, and The World Bank will work on a follow-up consultation with national and state stakeholders to provide advice and support the development and implementation of integrated solutions to the challenges of extreme heat and sustainable cooling.
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