Under President’s Climate Action Plan, the Obama Administration has announced today a new private sector commitments and executive actions to reduce emissions of hydroflourocarbons (HFCs), powerful greenhouse gases that worsen climate change.
These commitments are expected to reduce increasing global consumption of HFCs by the equivalent of 700 million metric tons of carbon dioxide through 2025, which is equal to taking nearly 15 million cars off the road for 10 years.
HFCs are prime component of air conditioning and refrigeration that possess up to 10,000 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide, which may triple by 2030 if not harnessed properly.
U.S. industries, taking inspiration from the pledge are taking initiative to reduce the HFC content, by investing finance to develop and deploy the next generation of safe alternatives to HFCs, and by incorporating them into the cars, air conditioners, refrigerators, foams and other products.
Beginning from HFC production to manufacturing to retail, American businesses and chemical companies are committing to curtail down HFCs, accelerating environment friendly alternatives.
In addition, beverage companies and retailers are pledging to buy HFC-free equipment.
Moreover, the Obama Administration is broadcasting new actions for safe alternatives and develops new technologies by regulating contractors and evaluating sustainable options in federal buildings and encouraging investment in low-emissions technology as well as highlighting climate-friendly HFC alternatives.
Besides, new research and development funding from the Department of Energy, to invent climate- friendly cooling and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems will also be offered.
Recently, the Environmental Protection Agency initiated two rules under the New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Program that would smooth the change to climate-friendly alternatives to HFCs, including expanding the list of acceptable alternatives and limiting the use of harmful HFCs.
All actions will affect an amendment to the Montreal Protocol, the international agreement signed 27 years ago to curb out the use of harmful chemicals to the ozone layer and to tackle HFCs.
In a recent development, U.S. and China have agreed to minimize jointly the consumption and production of HFCs, with G-20 leaders following suit by pledging their support for related activities.
The leadership exhibited by U.S. industries and the federal government taking on HFCs is encouraging news for the planet that will inspire other countries to follow the path.