Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) gases: Almost 200 nations agree 'monumental' deal to cut greenhouse gases

In a major international step towards battling climate change, 197 nations hammered out a legally binding deal to cut back on the greenhouse gases used in refrigerators and air conditioners.

The deal – which includes the world’s two biggest economies, the United States and China – divides countries into three groups with different deadlines for reducing the use of factory-made hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) gases, which can be 10,000 times more powerful than carbon dioxide in contributing to climate change.

“It’s a monumental step forward,” US Secretary of State John Kerry said, as he left the talks in the Rwandan capital of Kigali late on Friday.

As Rwanda’s minister for natural resources, Vincent Biruta, began announcing the terms of the deal shortly after sunrise on Saturday, applause from the negotiators who had been up all night drowned out his words.

‘Largest temperature reduction ever achieved’

Under the pact developed nations, including much of Europe and the United States, commit to reducing their use of HFC gases incrementally, starting with a 10 percent cut by 2019 that will increase to 85 percent by 2036.

Many wealthier nations have already begun to reduce their use of HFCs.
 [france24.com]
15/10/16