Publications

This study brings to light Bihar's horticulture cold-chain scenario, describing the policy and institutional landscape, discussing the present status of cold-chain infrastructure in Bihar, estimating the GHG emissions due to lack of post-harvest infrastructure in the state, identifying gaps in cold-chain development and proposing recommendations to strengthen the cold-chain development in the state. The study's outcomes are captured in this report which begins with a brief overview of the need for cold-chain in the state, providing a background on the nation‘s and state‘s major produce and the impact of fragmented cold-chain on the produce and livelihoods of farmers.  

The report summarises the barriers to cold-chain development in Bihar, including observations from various stakeholders consulted during the report‘s development, and proposes recommendations to overcome these barriers. The observations, findings, and recommendations based on our study presented in this report will advance cold-chain development in Bihar. They will be helpful to the state agencies, national actors and global agencies to develop an understanding of the need for an integrated cold-chain in Bihar and replicate similar studies for other states and regions.

Litchi, a highly perishable fruit, holds significant economic importance in Bihar, where it is extensively cultivated and contributes to the livelihood of many farmers. The rapid deterioration of litchi due to its high moisture content and susceptibility to browning poses challenges in maintaining its marketability. Effective post-harvest management and robust cold chain practices are crucial in extending the fruit’s shelf life, preserving its nutritional value, and maintaining its market appeal. 

This document provides comprehensive guidelines to optimize the litchi cold chain in Bihar, focusing on best practices to maintain the fruit’s quality throughout its journey from farm to market. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Cool Coalition in partnership with the Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE) are providing technical assistance to Bihar’s Department of Agriculture under the India Cold-Chain Programme (ICCP). Through its Directorate of Horticulture, the Department has recommended developing specific cold chain guidelines for litchi in Bihar. This document aims to provide these guidelines, tailored to the state’s needs and can be shared with the Department of Horticulture, the Department of Industry, and Farmer’s Producer Companies (FPCs) to benefit smallholder farmers, cold chain operators, and other stakeholders involved in the litchi value chains.

Effective post-harvest management and cold chain practices are essential for extending the shelf life and maintaining the quality of mangoes in Bihar. Investing in infrastructure, training, and awareness and fostering collaboration among stakeholders can significantly reduce losses, improve market access, and boost farmers’ incomes. 

By adopting these practices, Bihar’s mango can continue to satisfy consumers both domestically and internationally. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Cool Coalition in partnership with the Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE) are providing technical assistance to Bihar’s Department of Agriculture under the India Cold-Chain Programme (ICCP). Through the Directorate of Horticulture, the Department has recommended developing specific cold chain guidelines for mangoes in Bihar. This document aims to provide these guidelines, tailored to the state’s needs and can be shared with the Department of Horticulture, the Department of Industry, and Farmer’s Producer Companies (FPCs) to benefit smallholder farmers, cold chain operators, and other stakeholders involved in the mango value chains.

The Roadmap for Extreme Heat Protection through Passive Cooling in the ASEAN Region, developed by the ASEAN Centre for Energy and the United Nations Environment Programme through the Cool Coalition and EmPower, sets out a regional framework to address rising heat risks driven by rapid urbanisation, climate change and growing energy demand. It positions passive cooling as the first line of response, prioritising building design, materials and nature-based solutions to reduce cooling needs before mechanical systems are introduced. Combining policy, finance and technical recommendations, the roadmap highlights a critical gap between interest and implementation, and provides actionable pathways for ASEAN Member States to strengthen resilience, reduce energy demand and protect vulnerable populations.

This second Global Cooling Pledge Progress Report provides a comprehensive overview of how countries are translating commitments into action across policy, planning, and implementation. It highlights progress in advancing access to sustainable cooling, improving energy efficiency, and accelerating the uptake of climate-friendly technologies, while also identifying key gaps in finance, data, and delivery. Drawing on country submissions and sectoral insights, the report reflects growing momentum and stronger alignment between national strategies and on-the-ground implementation. It also outlines priority areas for coordinated support, positioning the Global Cooling Pledge as a central platform to drive systemic, equitable, and scalable cooling solutions.

Developed to address the rising demand for sustainable cooling in Viet Nam’s Mekong Delta, this Action Plan offers an evidence-based roadmap to reduce urban heat, enhance thermal comfort, and improve energy efficiency in Can Tho City. It combines microclimate analysis, building simulations, and policy mapping to deliver targeted recommendations for city planners and decision-makers. While tailored to the local context, the Plan presents a scalable framework that can inform urban cooling strategies in other rapidly growing tropical cities around the world.

The National Cooling Action Plan Methodology for the MENA Region provides a practical framework to support governments in developing integrated cooling strategies aligned with climate, energy, and development priorities. Developed by the UN Environment Programme Cool Coalition in partnership with the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE), with financial support from the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), the methodology adapts the global NCAP approach to the specific conditions of high-ambient-temperature countries in the Middle East and North Africa. The report outlines a structured process to assess cooling demand, strengthen coordination across sectors, and translate national commitments into implementable policies and investment pipelines covering buildings, appliances, refrigerants, cold chains, and energy systems. By linking cooling access, energy efficiency, and emissions reduction within a single planning framework, the methodology supports countries in developing National Cooling Action Plans that move from pledges to implementation while aligning with the Paris Agreement, the Kigali Amendment, and the Global Cooling Pledge.

The Guidelines for Passive Cooling Strategies in Cambodia provide a practical, climate-responsive resource to support the design and delivery of buildings that reduce reliance on mechanical cooling while ensuring thermal, visual, and acoustic comfort. Tailored to Cambodia’s hot-humid context, the publication offers clear guidance on the selection, application, and integration of passive cooling strategies at site, building, and component levels. Drawing on technical analysis, building typologies, and real-world demonstration projects, the Guidelines bridge theory and practice and support architects, engineers, policymakers, and other stakeholders in embedding passive cooling into building design, regulations, and implementation, contributing to lower energy demand, reduced emissions, and improved urban resilience.

The second edition of UNEP’s Global Cooling Watch Report takes a deep dive into one of the decade’s most urgent challenges: surging heat, soaring cooling demand, and stark inequalities in access.  Building on the 2023 edition’s analysis of global sustainable cooling trends, the report provides the scientific foundation for the Global Cooling Pledge and charts pathways toward near-zero emissions from cooling. 

Extreme heat is reshaping life in cities. For millions of people, especially in fast-growing urban areas of the Global South, higher temperatures are making it harder to earn a living, attend school, access healthcare, or move safely throughout the day. Extreme urban heat and lack of sustainable cooling is threatening productivity, deepening inequality, and increasing the risk of displacement when communities can no longer cope. Cities cannot afford to treat extreme heat as a seasonal inconvenience. Without action, heat will erode livelihoods and overwhelm urban infrastructure and services. It will fuel unemployment, drive internal and cross-border migration, and put massive demands on energy systems. Cities must act now to manage rising temperatures before it is too late. The Handbook on Urban Heat Management in the Global South, developed by the World Bank in partnership with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), offers a practical response. It brings together real examples and strategies from cities that are already tackling extreme heat. It focuses on powerful solutions that are feasible, affordable, and easy to adapt - especially those that expand access to accessible, sustainable cooling.