Although Europe have put significant steps in place to reduce the use of HFC's the use is actually rising according to newly published research paper, causing a huge threat tothe work being done to combat climate change.

It is predicted that use of HFC's is increasing and by 2050, will add up to 0.1°C to the global average temperature rise. This clearly makes it more difficult to limit the rise in global temperature to the internationally agreed ceiling of 2°C by the end of the 21st century.

With predictions like this; announcements from the EPA on plans to ban certain HFC's by 2016 and the new EU F-Gas Regulations are being welcomed by Green Campaigners worldwide.

Now a timely report released the same day as the EPA announced its proposal to ban HFC's from 2016  researchers; Stephen O. Andersen, Duncan Brack and Joanna Depledge have published a paper following workshop discussions held at Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs in April 2014, that outlines the main issues around the question of how best to craft a fair and effective global response to the growth in HFC use. Covering a number of key issues which are central to the debate: 

• The principle of equity between developed and developing countries 
• The availability of alternatives to HFCs
• The need for financial support for developing countries
• The legal relationship between the climate and ozone regimes 
• The need for political will to resolve these challenges

The research paper raises questions about the feasibility of introducing natural and alternative refrigerants to developing countries, in terms of cost,training and safety, and their application in very hot climates.

It goes on to outline the needfor financial assistance and its availability, and support that is required to help developing countries make the transition to climate friendly HFC alternatives.

There is now doubt developed countries are taking action to reduce and eventually eliminate the use of high-GWP HFCs but the paper identifies a need to speed up the transition for developing countries. Saying the faster the transition canbegin, the less HFC-using equipment is installed and the lower the future demand for HFCs for servicing.

A global response to HFCs through fair and effective ozone and climate policies.pdf

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