July 13, 2023

The increased need for cooling at +1.5 °C vs +2.0 °C

The chances of limiting global mean temperature rise to 1.5°C are decreasing.  A new modelling paper published in Nature Sustainability shows the impact on global cooling demand in moving from 1.5 °C to 2.0 °C global warming.

African countries have the highest increase in cooling requirements. The UK, Switzerland and Norway (all traditionally unprepared for heat) will suffer the largest relative cooling demand surges.

The authors argue that immediate and unprecedented adaptation interventions are required worldwide to be prepared for a hotter world.  Journalists came to this online SMC briefing to hear the scientists discuss their findings and answer any questions.

Speakers included:

Dr Nicole Miranda, Programme Manager and a researcher on the Future of Cooling Programme of the Oxford Martin School, University of Oxford and lead author of the paper

Dr Jesus Lizana, Marie Curie Fellow in the Energy and Power Group at the Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford

Dr Radhika Khosla, Associate Professor at the Smith School of Enterprise and Environment and Research Director of the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development at the University of Oxford

Dr Sarah Sparrow, Programme co-ordinator at climateprediction.net (CPDN) and Deputy Course Director for the Energy Systems MSc in Engineering Science at the University of Oxford