Islamabad: Pakistan’s growing need for air conditioning and refrigeration amid rising temperatures and extreme weather has prompted calls for a faster shift to energy-efficient and climate-friendly cooling technologies.
The call was made on Wednesday at an event in Karachi organised by the National Ozone Unit (NOU) of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination to mark World Ozone Day.
Officials and experts stressed that the country’s expanding cooling requirements needed to be addressed through cleaner technologies, scientific innovation and improved energy efficiency while ensuring continued protection of the ozone layer.
This year’s World Ozone Day theme, ‘Global Action for a Cooler Planet’, also marks 10 years of sustainable cooling efforts under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol.
Director General Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency and National Project Director of the NOU Syed Abrar Hussain said the transition to climate-friendly refrigeration and air-conditioning technologies should be guided by science, innovation, energy efficiency and sustainability.
He called for coordinated efforts by government institutions, industry, academia, technical experts, development partners and civil society to accelerate sustainable cooling.
Interim National Ozone Officer Syed Azmat Hussain Shah said Pakistan remained committed to implementing the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment.
He stressed the need to strengthen national capacity, assist industry in adopting climate-friendly technologies and involve young people in environmental action.
UNIDO National Project Coordinator Fawad Hassan Mir reaffirmed the organisation’s support for Pakistan’s transition towards ozone-friendly technologies and sustainable industrial practices.
He said Pakistan had made significant progress in meeting its obligations under the Montreal Protocol, attributing the progress to national ownership and international cooperation.
Assistant Professor University of Karachi, Dr Waqar Ahmed, in a presentation on ozone science, explained the process of ozone depletion and its potential effects on human health.
UNDP Programme Analyst Bushra Gul said UNDP was assisting Pakistan with institutional strengthening, including capacity building, national coordination, data and reporting systems, regulatory frameworks and compliance measures concerning ozone-depleting substances and HCFC management.
She called for greater emphasis on energy efficiency, low-carbon technologies and climate resilience as Pakistan develops a more sustainable cooling sector.
The event featured expert presentations, discussions, and speech and poster competitions aimed at increasing public and youth awareness about ozone protection and environmentally safe technologies.
Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency spokesperson Dr Zaigham Abbas said continued cooperation among stakeholders, along with knowledge and innovation, would be essential for an orderly transition to environmentally friendly and energy-efficient cooling.