Global agreement, it is ‘great victory for climate’ – Sipse.com

During a plenary in Kigali, Rwanda, nearly 200 nations committed to phasing out the gases hydrofluorocarbons.

Agencies
KIGALI, Rwanda.- Representatives of nearly 200 countries signed in Kigali, Rwanda, an agreement on phasing out of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCS), a greenhouse gas considered to be harmful to the environment.

“the amendment and The decisions are taken,” said the rwandan minister of Natural Resources Vincent Biruta, at the end of a plenary session that lasted throughout the night.

The agreement, welcomed with a standing ovation by the negotiators, provides for a timetable with a view to the elimination of the production of these gases used in refrigerators and machines of air conditioning.

“it Is a great victory for the climate. We’ve taken a big step with a view to concretize the pledges made in Paris in December” during the COP21, held the european commissioner for Energy and the Environment, Miguel Arias Cañete, through a press release.

The negotiations on the HFC have been considered the first test for the will world from which last year achieved the historic Agreement in Paris, whose aim is to cut carbon emissions.

according To the calendar published on the website of the Montreal Protocol, developed countries are called on to act earlier and more rapidly in developing countries.

The countries called “developed” will have to reduce their production and consumption of HFCS by 10 per cent before the end of 2019 in relation to the levels of 2011-2013, and 85 percent by 2036.

A second group of countries “developing”, including China and the african, pledged to start his transition in 2024. Shall achieve a reduction of 10% with respect to the levels of 2020-2022 to 2029 and 80% for 2045.

A third group of “developing countries”, including India, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq and the Gulf countries are committed for their part to begin in 2028, to reach a reduction of 10% with respect to the period 2024-2026 in 2032 and 85% in 2047.

What should disappear

HFCS, also used in some aerosol sprays, or in the manufacture of insulating foams, they are about greenhouse gas emissions extremely harmful and whose emissions increase more rapidly, from 10-15 percent a year.

From the 1990s are used in replacement of CFCS (chlorofluorocarbons), main responsible for the destruction of the ozone layer.

But while they are good for the ozone, are disastrous for the climate, so that from 2009 the idea of an amendment to the Montreal Protocol to remove them.

The large economies have debated how fast should eliminate the HFCS. The united states, whose delegation was led by secretary of State John Kerry, and other western countries want a fast action. Nations like India want to give its industries more time to adapt.

(With information from The Associated Press and Afp)