Assam Unveils Comprehensive Cooling Action Plan on World Ozone Day 2026

Introduction of the Cooling Action Plan

Guwahati, Sept 17: Assam has officially introduced its Cooling Action Plan (ACAP), positioning itself among the pioneering states in India to establish a comprehensive framework that addresses four key sectors: buildings, cold chain, industry, and transport.

Launch Details and Objectives

The initiative was unveiled on Wednesday in celebration of World Ozone Day 2026, themed “Global Action for a Cooler Planet.”

Developed by the Assam Climate Change Management Society (ACCMS) with support from WRI India, this plan adapts the national objectives of the India Cooling Action Plan to fit the state's specific needs, emphasizing energy efficiency, responsible refrigerant management, climate-friendly cooling technologies, and collaborative implementation across various departments.

Minister's Insights on Implementation

Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah highlighted the urgency of addressing Assam's increasing cooling demands while ensuring that development aligns with environmental sustainability. He stated that the ACAP launch is a significant milestone in preparing the state for future cooling requirements, stressing the importance of effective implementation through coordinated efforts across sectors.

Projected Cooling Demand and Strategies

The Action Plan indicates that Assam's electricity demand for cooling is expected to more than double by 2040, rising from 3,576 GWh to 8,445 GWh. The plan aims to tackle this anticipated surge by promoting energy-efficient cooling systems, enhancing refrigerant management, and adopting sustainable, climate-friendly methods.

Nature-Based Solutions and Community Involvement

The minister also underscored the significance of nature-based cooling solutions, particularly through increasing green spaces and safeguarding existing ecosystems. He emphasized that afforestation and environmental conservation should work hand in hand with technological advancements to combat rising temperatures and create more livable environments for future generations.

Referring to the state's flagship initiatives, Amrit Brikshya Andolan and Brikshya Bandhu, Mallabaruah pointed out Assam's extensive plantation efforts involving students, self-help groups, the Forest Protection Force, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders. He noted that engaging citizens, especially youth, in tree planting and care fosters a sense of ownership and promotes the long-term survival of trees.

Call for Public Engagement and Awareness

Mallabaruah emphasized that climate action should not be limited to government initiatives and called for increased public awareness and participation. He urged the younger generation to take part in environmental protection and climate initiatives, encouraging citizens to adopt energy-efficient and eco-friendly practices in their homes and workplaces.

Global Cooperation and Future Projections

The event also celebrated the successful implementation of the Montreal Protocol and marked a decade since the Kigali Amendment, highlighting the importance of global collaboration in tackling environmental issues. The minister remarked that the global response to ozone depletion illustrates how collective and coordinated efforts can yield significant environmental benefits.

By 2040, the average maximum temperature in Assam is projected to rise by 0.85-1.0 degrees Celsius compared to the baseline period of 1981-2010. The industrial sector is expected to see the fastest growth in cooling energy demand, while the buildings sector will continue to hold the largest share during this timeframe.

Future Projections for Cooling Systems

Refrigerator penetration is anticipated to reach 20% by 2025 and is projected to rise to 49% by 2040. Air conditioning penetration, currently at 2% in 2025, is expected to increase to 8% overall by 2040, with urban areas reaching 38%. Total electricity consumption for residential buildings is forecasted to grow approximately 2.2 times, from 2,446 GWh in 2025 to 5,522 GWh in 2040.

Conclusion

By

Staff Reporter