Delegates from over 150 countries meeting in Rwanda reached what was described as a “monumental” deal by agreeing an amendment to the Montreal protocol on the phase out of the use of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFC), the gases used in air conditioning and refrigeration.

Commenting on the deal Julia Evans BSRIA’s chief executive said “This is excellent news and delivers a deal that is good for the planet. The phasing out of HFCs could help reduce climate change by 0.5C and has the potential to take 70 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by 2050”,

Evans continued “for some nations the phasing out period for HFCs is long, which is of concern, but it is hoped that the phase out will develop momentum in the market which could see the transition happen over a reduced period. With active help of the industry, manufacturers of both refrigerants and products can accelerate the adoption of low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants. This is important; as an industry we have a key role to play so let’s act now”.

The Montreal Protocol

– International treaty designed to protect the environment against the impact of harmful substances

– Created in 1987 following the discovery of a large hole in the Earth’s ozone layer over Antarctica

– Came into force in 1989 with the main aim of ending the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

– CFCs replaced by hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)

– Amendment proposed after scientists discovered, while they pose no threat to the ozone layer, HFCs contribute to global warming by trapping heat radiating off the Earth

– The protocol has undergone a number of revisions since it was introduced and has been successful in eliminating more than 100 fluorinated gases”.