Framing Access to Cooling as a Climate Justice and Development Right
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Environment & Ecology (Climate Change, Adaptation vs. Mitigation); Social Development (Public Health); Governance (Heat Action Plans).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 1 (Society): Poverty and developmental issues; Effects of globalization.
General Studies Paper 2 (Health, International Relations, Social Justice): Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health; Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections; Important International institutions and agreements related to climate finance.
General Studies Paper 3 (Environment & Economy): Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, climate change; Inclusive growth.
Key Highlights from the News
In the context of increasing global warming, access to cooling is not a luxury, but a fundamental necessity and a public health issue.
However, a significant cooling divide exists between Global North and Global South countries in this regard. In India, only 5% of households have air conditioners.
There is a double standard in how developed countries view their increasing AC use as an "adaptation" while the rising demand in developing countries like India is seen as a "mitigation" problem (i.e., something that increases pollution).
The lack of cooling facilities leads to deaths from heatwaves, reduced quality of care in hospitals, and decreased productivity of workers.
Although Indian states implement Heat Action Plans (HAPs), they lack adequate funding or a legal basis.
The article argues that the right to cooling should not be viewed as a climate liability, but as a non-negotiable development right essential for equality and survival.
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