A United Nations (UN) Montreal Protocol meeting on ozone-depleting substances is currently taking place in Paris to consider whether to phase out the use of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants, and replace them with low-gwp alternative refrigerants.

With the Montreal Protocol declared as “perhaps the single most successful international agreement to date”, in the words of former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, negotiators will be considering whether the Montreal Protocol can stop the growing HFC industry.

The Montreal Protocol was set up in the late 80's to protect the ozone layer and at that time banned the use of CFCs which were used in fridges and aerosols, however this lead to the risein the use of HFCs which don't damage the ozone layer but have a high Global Warming Potential (GWP).

HFCs are classed as super pollutants used in fridges, air conditioners and foam insulation. Thousands of times more potent than carbon dioxide.

HFCs currently account for less than 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions but a UN coalition on short-lived climate pollutants estimates this could rise to between 7% and 19%by 2050 if climate-friendly replacements are not found.

With action already being taken in Europe, the US and China it is notsurprising the Montreal Protocol is considering the action against HFCs.

Europe have implemented thenew F-Gas regulations  China lastmonth set a target to cut emissions from HFC's and the US environmental protection agency ast week proposed a ban on HFCs where a environmentally friendly alternative was available.

Green campaigners have welcomed these major decisions but still insist that international action is also required especially considering this decision is facing resistance from countries such as India and the Gulf States,which produce HFCs or are heavily reliant on them for Air Conditioning. The main concerns from these countries are that alternatives to HFCs will not work as effectively in the hot climates.

Saudi Arabia and Kuwait had already fought to block HFCs from the agenda at this week’s meeting, but were unsuccessful in their protests.

As we previously reported India has also been raising concerns  that the new technologies weren't tested for Indian conditions and issues related to their flammability still hadn't been resolved India and the Gulf states argue that HFC emissions should be dealt with under the UN climate umbrella, where they receive funding for developing countries to cover costs of switching but under the Montreal Protocol the costs would only cover a short term incremental cost

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