As countries update their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and implement National Cooling Action Plans (NCAPs), buildings and cooling are emerging as central to low-emission, climate-resilient development.
This session will examine how passive cooling strategies, nature-based solutions, sustainable materials and private sector innovation can be integrated into national strategies to deliver both mitigation and adaptation outcomes. Drawing on case studies and policy experiences, it will explore how aligning NDCs and NCAPs can unlock systemic change, promote thermal comfort and resilience and support equitable transitions towards climate friendly cooling.
The session will unpack how the NCAP methodology is being adapted and contextualized for the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region, and showcase its practical application for countries seeking to rollout holistic and integrated national strategy for cooling. The discussion will also introduce the newly launched NDC Cooling Guide, a key resource designed to help governments align cooling actions with updated NDC commitments. Participants will gain insights into innovative approaches, regional priorities, and tools that support efficient, climate-friendly cooling solutions. Join us to hear about countries’ experience in developing and implementing NCAPs, integrating cooling targets into their NDCs, and learn about existing tools to advance sustainable cooling while meeting climate targets and protecting communities from rising heat.