Montreal Protocol Discussions on HFC Stalled
Montreal Protocol negotiations were held in Bangkok on July 26th. One topic of discussion was the phaseout of greenhouse (GHGs), specifically HFCs. India, China and Brazil have reversed their earlier position stated in last month’s Rio+20 Declaration - “We recognize that the phase-out of ozone- depleting substances is resulting in a rapid
increase in the use and release of high global-warming potential hydrofluorocarbons to the environment. We support a gradual phase- down in the consumption and production of hydrofluorocarbons.”
Brazil, China and India continue to insist that any action to address HFCs be undertaken by the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change). The UNFCCC is not expected to implement a globalclimate treaty until 2020. Currently, the UNFCCC has no authority over the production and consumption of HFCs or any other greenhouse gas. It is interesting to note that India, China and Brazil have been actively blocking discussions on HFCs at the UNFCCC as well.
Full press release may be found at PR Newswire - http://s.tt/1j3Xt