Integrated Approaches in Developing Countries: Industria & Formazione - International Special Issue 2022-23

This article provides an analysis of the critical role of refrigeration and air conditioning in fostering sustainable development in emerging economies. The document highlights the urgent need to expand cold chain capacity to address food security, public health, and climate adaptation challenges. With less than half of perishable foods in developing regions adequately refrigerated, there are significant losses and heightened health risks. The article details how strengthening refrigeration infrastructure could feed almost one billion people annually while sharply reducing food waste and carbon emissions. It also underscores the increasing importance of temperature-controlled storage for medicines and vaccines, especially in the context of COVID-19 and other health challenges that require stable, low-temperature environments. Through concrete examples from Africa and Asia, the document reviews international initiatives—emphasizing partnerships, technology transfer, and innovative projects like off-grid solar cooling—to create sustainable solutions tailored to local needs and climatic conditions.