Stakeholder Consultation Workshop on Sustainable Cooling Pathways for Assam and North Eastern States

Rising temperatures, increasing humidity, and frequent heat events are being experienced across Assam and the Northeastern states, with several cities now recording summer temperatures nearing 40°C. Areas once considered relatively cooler are also facing prolonged periods of heat. Cooling is therefore no longer a luxury but a necessity for maintaining thermal comfort, protecting public health, and sustaining economic activity. It is critical for preserving food and vaccines through reliable cold chains and for the effective functioning of healthcare facilities, industries, and transport infrastructure. However, conventional cooling systems are energy-intensive and rely on refrigerants with high global warming potential, contributing to rising electricity demand, emissions, and operational costs.

To address these challenges, the Assam Climate Change Management Society (ACCMS), under the Environment, Forest & Climate Change Department, Government of Assam, in collaboration with WRI India, has developed the draft Assam Cooling Action Plan. The plan provides a roadmap to meet growing cooling demand while minimizing energy use, emissions, and financial burdens through passive cooling strategies, energy-efficient technologies, low-GWP refrigerants, behavioral measures, and supportive policy frameworks.

The Stakeholder Consultation Workshop on Sustainable Cooling Pathways for Assam and the Northeastern States will present key recommendations and explore pathways for implementation. It will also examine heat-stress impacts on health, productivity, and livelihoods, particularly for vulnerable populations, and bring together government agencies, urban local bodies, industry, development partners, and civil society to advance inclusive and sustainable cooling solutions across the region.