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Integrating climate, air, and health goals: the impact of efficient cooling policies in India

Author

Listed:
  • Shivang Agarwal

    (Johns Hopkins University
    The Energy and Resources Institute)

  • Gaurav Phore

    (The Energy and Resources Institute)

  • Manjeet Singh

    (The Energy and Resources Institute)

  • Nimish Singh

    (The Energy and Resources Institute)

  • Shivani Sharma

    (The Energy and Resources Institute)

  • Mani Juneja

    (The Energy and Resources Institute)

  • Karan Mangotra

    (The Energy and Resources Institute
    International Solar Alliance)

  • Sumit Sharma

    (The Energy and Resources Institute)

Abstract

Air conditioning in buildings is a significant contributor to electricity demand in developing countries and is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. This increase will lead to higher greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, air pollution, and related impacts. In India, the energy use due to room air conditioners (RACs) is estimated to cause 18%, 9%, and 8% of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions, respectively. These emissions contribute to 5% of power sector PM2.5 concentrations in India and were attributable to 5748 air pollution-related deaths in 2017. If no technological improvements are made, India’s RAC energy demand is expected to increase from 56 Gigawatt (GW) in 2017 to 289 GW in 2046, attributable to 39,072 deaths annually by 2046. However, implementing the Indian Cooling Action Plan (ICAP) could reduce RAC demand and associated pollution by 60%. Stricter standards for coal-based power plants, in accordance with National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), could also reduce air pollution from RACs by 50%. An integrated approach including ICAP, NCAP, and Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) could lead to a compounded overall reduction of 84% in PM2.5 concentrations from RACs, with 33,047 lives saved annually in 2046.

Suggested Citation

  • Shivang Agarwal & Gaurav Phore & Manjeet Singh & Nimish Singh & Shivani Sharma & Mani Juneja & Karan Mangotra & Sumit Sharma, 2025. "Integrating climate, air, and health goals: the impact of efficient cooling policies in India," Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences, Springer;Association of Environmental Studies and Sciences, vol. 15(2), pages 388-401, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jenvss:v:15:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1007_s13412-024-00954-w
    DOI: 10.1007/s13412-024-00954-w
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Karali, Nihan & Shah, Nihar & Park, Won Young & Khanna, Nina & Ding, Chao & Lin, Jiang & Zhou, Nan, 2020. "Improving the energy efficiency of room air conditioners in China: Costs and benefits," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 258(C).
    2. Ekta Chaudhary & Sagnik Dey & Santu Ghosh & Sumit Sharma & Nimish Singh & Shivang Agarwal & Kushal Tibrewal & Chandra Venkataraman & Anura V. Kurpad & Aaron J. Cohen & Shuxiao Wang & Srishti Jain, 2022. "Reducing the burden of anaemia in Indian women of reproductive age with clean-air targets," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 5(11), pages 939-946, November.
    3. Ekta Chaudhary & Franciosalgeo George & Aswathi Saji & Sagnik Dey & Santu Ghosh & Tinku Thomas & Anura. V. Kurpad & Sumit Sharma & Nimish Singh & Shivang Agarwal & Unnati Mehta, 2023. "Cumulative effect of PM2.5 components is larger than the effect of PM2.5 mass on child health in India," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-9, December.
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