Kigali, Rwanda — More than 150 countries have reached a deal to speed the phase out of Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer covered by the Montreal Protocol.
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are used in fridge and as blowing agents for polyurethane foams, will be cut back from 2019 by richer countries that have singed up to the Montreal Protocol.
Developing countries, specifically India, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq and the Gulf states will not freeze their use until 2028.
China will begin to cut its production and use in 2029 with India making its first 10% cut in use in 2032.
The European Union welcomes the agreement on Friday in Kigali, Rwanda, on a global phase-down of climate-warming hydrofluorocarbon gases.
European Union commissioner for climate action and energy Miguel Canete said: "This is a huge win for the climate.
“We have taken the first concrete step in delivering on the promises we made in Paris last December. The global phase-down we have agreed on Friday could knock off up to half a degree of warming by the end of the century.
"I am proud of the role the European Union played in brokering this deal. We have shown through our own action on the hydrofluorocarbon gases that this is a fast and cost-effective way to reduce emissions," Canete added.
UTECH-polyurethane.com previously reported on how the Protocol amendment could speed hydrofluorocarbon blowing agent phase-out.
