Clean Cooling Collaborative is honored to receive a $30 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott and Yield Giving in support of our efforts to create a future where energy-efficient, climate-friendly cooling is accessible to all.

In a warming world, cooling has become both a lifeline for billions of people and a growing driver of greenhouse gas emissions, creating a profound paradox and a defining challenge for our time. By 2050, an estimated 3 billion new air conditioners are expected to be installed worldwide, along with billions of new refrigerators, ceiling fans, and other cooling equipment. Traditionally, these technologies are energy-intensive, and many of these appliances use super-polluting refrigerants. Without decisive action, global cooling-related emissions could nearly double to an estimated 7.2 gigatons (GT) of CO₂e annually by mid-century, making cooling a critical sector for climate action.

By making cooling solutions more sustainable — and expanding access to them — we can protect people and the planet.

Transforming the Cooling Sector

Our north star is working to avoid 100 GT of cumulative CO₂e from the cooling sector by 2050. With this support, the Clean Cooling Collaborative will begin to advance its refreshed strategy and work with implementing organizations across the world to:

• Catalyze global action and investment to help the ecosystem needed for clean cooling to develop and scale.
• Accelerate market transformation to support the widespread adoption of clean cooling solutions, both passive — like reflective “cool” roofs and efficient building design — and mechanical — such as super-efficient air conditioners and ceiling fans.
• Increase cooling access to protect low-income, urban communities from the risks of extreme heat.

As global temperatures rise and the demand for cooling surges, philanthropic support like this is crucial for catalyzing the action required to transform complex sectors like cooling.

Urgent Action in a Warming World

“The need for clean cooling for all has never been greater, and this generous gift from MacKenzie Scott will help the Clean Cooling Collaborative go bigger and act bolder in the years ahead,” said Noah Horowitz, Senior Director of the Clean Cooling Collaborative. “As heat and humidity intensify around the world, practical, people-centered cooling solutions are essential. When done right, clean cooling saves lives, cuts emissions, eases pressure on power grids and lowers energy costs, and strengthens community resilience. The time to act is now.”

MacKenzie Scott’s approach to philanthropy shows how generosity can meet the urgency of this moment. Her support highlights the need for bold ambition and decisive action to confront the climate crisis, and this gift will accelerate innovation and scale solutions that reduce emissions and strengthen global resilience.