As the world bakes, more than a billion people lack access to cooling, UN warns

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As the world bakes, more than a billion people lack access to cooling, UN warns

By District Energy posted 07-18-2018 00:00

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Michael Holder, Business Green

Summary

As the prolonged global heatwave continues to see temperature records tumble throughout the world, a new UN report today warns that as many as 1.1 billion people face immediate risks from a lack of access to cooling.

The UN Sustainable Energy for All report describes access to cooling as a "fundamental issue of equity", highlighting its key role in keeping children healthy, vaccines stable and food fresh and nutritious.

But amid concerns fierce heatwaves are likely to become more frequent in the coming years due to climate change, the study paints a stark picture of the number of people who still lack access to cooling - which for many can mean the difference between life and death.