In this year of action, strengthening action on efficient-climate friendly cooling and cold chains is key to achieve sustainable development in the African continent. By expanding access to sustainable cold chains, we can avoid 13 % of total food production that is lost due to lack of refrigeration. Ramping-up of action on efficient, climate- friendly cooling with an emphasis on holistic approaches and community-based models can do much to ensure a transition to a healthy planet with healthy people.
By developing and implementing comprehensive and holistic solutions to increase access to sustainable cold chains in the African continent, we can strengthen food systems, health, energy access, climate resilience, while limiting the environmental impacts of business-as-usual approaches to cooling.
At Africa Climate Week, Cool Coalition champions will highlight how action on cooling can simultaneously contribute to the sustainable development of the African continent, while delivering on climate and food security. This event will showcase concrete best practices that are being deployed in the region, including the creation of an Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold Chain (ACES) in Rwanda and the development of Community Cooling Hubs, by countries, cities, private sector and civil society to make this transformation opportunity a reality.
This session offered the chance to display best practices, highlight key challenges, and bridge the gap between data, technology, economy, and implementation for the expansion of cold chains in the African continent. Our hope is to maintain momentum in the lead up to COP26 and inspire countries’ commitments to deliver action on sustainable cold chains.
The event’s key messages will be available soon.
