As the parties to the Montreal Protocol (MOP) concentrate on the phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), the focus is primarily on the availability of zero- or low-GWP alternatives. However, over the past two decades, owing to rapid research and development in this space, NIK technologies have made a significant breakthrough and have the potential to play a significant role.

 

The side event brought together global experts to discuss the future of the global cooling policy framework. With the demand for cooling rapidly increasing, especially in the Global South, these countries are striving to meet their Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) without compromising economic growth. The event aimed to emphasise the need for accelerated and transformative change by exploring how innovative solutions, like NIK, can help meet thermal comfort needs while adhering to international obligations and SDG targets. The discussions focused on the current status of technological and market development, the existing barriers to adoption, and the strategies and support necessary for the global scale-up of NIK technologies.