Experts meet in Rwanda, urging for quick start to phase down HFCs

Climate change experts want a quick start towards phasing-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) as part of efforts towards addressing devastating effects of climate change.

Rwanda is hosting the 28th Meeting of Parties to the Montreal Protocol (MOP28) meeting from Oct. 8th to 14th that focuses on reaching a global agreement on an ambitious amendment to the Montreal Protocol to phase down the production and consumption of HFCs -- which are also potent greenhouse gases that greatly contribute to global climate change.

More than 1,000 delegates representing different countries and organizations across the world are expected in crucial talks for a new global agreement on climate change in Kigali.

"In order to effectively address global warming, we must urgently and significantly reduce the amount of dangerous gases we are putting into the atmosphere," Tina Birmpili, Executive Secretary with Ozone Secretariat, United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), said Monday, at the official opening of the meeting.

She said that combined and global action is needed to realize real and lasting change, and the most powerful industrialized countries and corporations must lead the campaign.

"We are very close to taking this incredible step towards a healthier planet and healthier people. Each one of you can help ensure that your country is in a good position to reach an agreement that balances national priorities with our common global goals," Birmpili noted.

At the conference, climate scientists have warned that failure to phase down the production and consumption of HFCs could potentially increase risks of skin cancer and global warming.

"There is an urgent need for an immediate global phase down of the use of HFCs. We have a unique opportunity to harness the goodwill and commitment to protect our climate and secure the bright future our citizens deserve," said Vincent Biruta, Rwanda minister of natural resources.

Birura noted that developing nations should commit to HFC phase down schedules without compromising their growth, but putting their growth on a greener path.

"Rwanda stands ready to work with all parties to find common ground and to reach an amendment that we can all be proud of." he said.

A successful amendment to the protocol would signal the international community's commitment to practical action to achieve the goals of Paris Agreement -- to keep global temperature rise well below 2 degrees Celsius and pursuing efforts to limit temperature increase to 1.5 degrees. Endit