Introduction
Extreme heat is emerging as one of the deadliest and fastest-growing climate risks worldwide. Rising global temperatures, frequent heatwaves, and rapid urbanization are intensifying heat stress, particularly for vulnerable populations such as low-income households, outdoor workers, elderly people, women, and children. Conventional cooling systems—especially fossil-fuel-powered air conditioning—are energy-intensive, costly, and contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, worsening climate change and increasing energy poverty.
This proposal presents an integrated, low-carbon cooling strategy that combines passive design, nature-based solutions, renewable energy-powered cooling technologies, and community-centered planning. The project aims to enhance thermal comfort, reduce heat-related health risks, and cut emissions while ensuring affordability and accessibility for climate-vulnerable communities.
Problem Statement
Extreme heat exposure is increasing due to:
- Climate change-driven temperature rise and prolonged heatwaves
- Urban heat island effects caused by concrete, asphalt, and limited green spaces
- Limited access to affordable and reliable cooling solutions
- High electricity costs and unreliable power supply in vulnerable areas
- Dependence on carbon-intensive cooling technologies
Heat stress leads to serious public health impacts including dehydration, heatstroke, cardiovascular stress, reduced labor productivity, and increased mortality. Women, children, informal workers, and marginalized groups are disproportionately affected. Without sustainable cooling interventions, heat-related risks will continue to escalate.
Project Goal and Objectives
Overall Goal
To reduce heat vulnerability and greenhouse gas emissions through inclusive, low-carbon cooling solutions that enhance climate resilience and public health.
Specific Objectives
- Deploy affordable, low-carbon cooling technologies in heat-vulnerable communities
- Promote passive cooling and climate-responsive building design
- Integrate nature-based solutions to reduce ambient temperatures
- Strengthen community capacity for heat adaptation and energy efficiency
- Support policy integration for sustainable cooling strategies
Target Areas and Beneficiaries
Geographic Focus
- Urban slums and informal settlements
- Peri-urban and rural heat hotspots
- Schools, healthcare centers, and community facilities
Primary Beneficiaries
- Low-income households
- Elderly people and children
- Outdoor and informal sector workers
- Women-headed households
Secondary Beneficiaries
- Local governments and urban planners
- Public health systems
- Energy utilities and clean-tech providers
Project Approach and Methodology
The project follows a Low-Carbon Cooling Framework integrating technology, nature, and behavior change.
Core Principles
- Climate justice and equity
- Energy efficiency first
- Community participation and co-design
- Scalable and replicable solutions
Key Components and Activities
- Passive Cooling and Climate-Responsive Design
- Nature-Based Cooling Solutions
- Urban tree plantation and green corridors
- Green roofs and vertical gardens
- Restoration of water bodies and wetlands
- Community-managed shaded public spaces
- Low-Carbon Active Cooling Technologies
- Renewable Energy Integration
- Rooftop solar installations for cooling systems
- Hybrid solar-battery solutions for off-grid areas
- Microgrids for community facilities
- Community Cooling Centers
- Establish heat-resilient cooling shelters
- Cooling centers in schools and health clinics
- Safe spaces for women, children, and elderly during heatwaves
- Awareness, Capacity Building, and Behavior Change
Policy Engagement and Urban Planning Integration
- Support local heat action plans
- Integration of cooling strategies into urban development policies
- Knowledge sharing with municipal authorities
Expected Results and Outcomes
Environmental Outcomes
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions from cooling demand
- Lower urban ambient temperatures
- Increased energy efficiency and renewable energy use
Health and Social Outcomes
- Reduced heat-related illnesses and mortality
- Improved thermal comfort and productivity
- Enhanced protection for vulnerable groups
Economic Outcomes
- Reduced household energy expenditure
- Job creation in green construction and clean cooling sectors
- Increased resilience of local economies
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)
- Baseline heat exposure and energy use assessments
- Continuous monitoring of temperature reduction and energy savings
- Community feedback mechanisms
- Annual learning and adaptation reviews
Key Indicators
- Number of households adopting low-carbon cooling solutions
- Reduction in indoor and ambient temperatures
- Decrease in cooling-related energy consumption
- Participation of women and youth
Sustainability Strategy
- Community ownership of cooling assets
- Integration with local government climate plans
- Revenue generation through energy savings
- Capacity transfer to local technicians and institutions
The project emphasizes long-term financial, technical, and institutional sustainability.
Gender and Social Inclusion
The project adopts a gender-responsive and inclusive approach by:
- Prioritizing women-headed households
- Designing cooling centers that meet women’s safety needs
- Creating green jobs for women and youth
- Ensuring equitable access to benefits
Alignment with Global Frameworks
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): 3, 7, 11, 13
- Paris Agreement
- Global Cooling Pledge
- WHO Heat-Health Action Framework
Budget Overview
- Passive and nature-based cooling solutions: 30%
- Renewable energy and cooling technologies: 35%
- Community engagement and capacity building: 15%
- Monitoring, evaluation, and learning: 10%
- Project management and administration: 10%
Conclusion
Low-Carbon Cooling Solutions for Extreme Heat Conditions offers a holistic, equitable, and climate-aligned response to rising heat risks. By combining passive design, renewable energy, and community-led adaptation, the project reduces emissions while safeguarding health and livelihoods.
This initiative provides donors and partners with a high-impact opportunity to address extreme heat through sustainable, scalable, and people-centered cooling solutions.
