International. China has proposed a new national plan to tackle hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse gases used mainly in refrigeration. The plan amends its existing regulations dealing with Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) to cover HFCs and also to strengthen the monitoring and enforcement of existing measures.
The plan proposes to add HFCs to existing regulations consistent with the implementation of the Kigali Amendment, including a quota system that gradually reduces the production and consumption of HFCs for controlled uses such as refrigerants, foaming agents, fire extinguishing agents, solvents, cleaning agents and aerosols. China is the world's largest producer of these gases and manufactures about 70% of the world's air conditioners.
"This draft plan demonstrates a clear intention to address these potent greenhouse gases. EIA (International Energy Agency) commends China for initiating this comprehensive process to implement the Kigali Amendment and strengthen the enforcement of existing controls on ozone-destroying chemicals," said Avipsa Mahapatra, Climate Campaign Leader, EIA-USA. "Combined with recent intelligence enforcement efforts to track the illegal production and use of CFC-11, strong punitive actions, and industry-wide awareness campaigns, this proposed new plan gives hope that China will commit to implementing systemic changes that bolster global momentum away from these harmful gases."
"The climate crisis we find ourselves in today demands urgent global action to ensure that we stop relying on these potent synthetic gases, and China stands ready to be an important leader in protecting our climate and ozone layer. Hopefully this will pave the way for other large producers and consumers who have not yet signalled their commitment to ratify, in particular the United States and India, to also gradually reduce HFCs," he added.
Following investigations exposing the massive illegal use of potent ODS, CFC-11, in China's polyurethane foam insulation sector, EIA had urged the Chinese government to take comprehensive systemic measures to prevent the recurrence of such environmental crimes. Several of the recommended steps are now included in this plan, such as:
Increased fines and punishments for the illegal production and sale of ODS and HFCs and other violations, and a provision that encourages and rewards citizens to report such violations.
Improved source management and control by including raw materials and co-produced substances subject to control measures such as automatic monitoring.
Research, development and application of technologies and methods of detection and monitoring of ODS and HFC.
Financing, tax and procurement mechanisms to support replacement alternatives, as well as research and technology development to encourage the recovery, recycling and conversion of ODS and HFCs.
Source: International Energy Agency.
