Agreement reached on reducing the use of strong greenhouse gases

Kigali.Convention Center.Photo: wikipedia.org

An agreement on reducing the use of the powerful greenhouse gases HFC has been signed after international negotiations in Rwanda where over 170 countries have participated.

– This is probably the single decision that will give the greatest reductions whatsoever of global emission reductions .

This agreement means that global warming can be reduced by up to half a degree by end of the century, Climate and Environment Minister Vidar Helgesen, who has represented Norway in the negotiations, says.

The process of reducing the use is to begin in rich countries in 2019. A large number of developing countries will get more time to adapt and are to begin to reducing their consumption of these gases in 2024.

Deferment for India

India, Pakistan and a few other countries were as a part of the agreement allowed to wait until 2028 before they start their reorganization.

The gases called hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), are used in air conditioning systems and freezers.

Some of them have an effect on the climate which is several thousand times more powerful than CO2. But it stays in the atmosphere for a much shorter amount of time, which means that emission cuts can quickly help to curb global warming.

 

Source: NTB scanpix / Norway Today