A Historic Day in Our Fight Against Climate Change
By Administrator Gina McCarthy
Protecting the air we breathe and slowing the effects of climate change are a core part of EPA’s mission. And today, I am proud to say that we, alongside nearly every country on Earth, have taken another historic step in carrying out that mission by cutting down on the use of damaging hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs.
Countries, including the United States, have long used HFCs to meet their refrigeration and air conditioning needs. These greenhouse gases can have warming impacts hundreds to thousands of times more potent than carbon dioxide. In a nutshell, these HFCs cool our homes and chill our food, but they are turning up the temperature of our planet.
And over the next several years, HFC use is expected to not only grow—but multiply. Their emissions are increasing by 10 to 15 percent on an annual basis globally. That’s why, this week in Rwanda, world leaders took a giant leap forward by agreeing to a global phase-down of these harmful gases.
As head of the U.S. delegation to the Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol, I met with leaders from around the world who share a commitment to protecting the planet and scaling down these harmful gases. Together, joined by Secretary of State John Kerry, we agreed to take action and get the job done. And that’s exactly what we did.
The Montreal Protocol, a successful global environmental agreement, is already putting the world on track to heal the Earth’s ozone layer by mid-century. And this week, 197 countries agreed on an ambitious amendment that will help protect Earth’s climate by significantly reducing the consumption and production of HFCs.
By acting now, we’re avoiding up to a full half a degree centigrade of warming by the end of the century. This is a big deal, because our scientists say very clearly that we must keep our planet’s temperature from rising 2 degrees above our normal temperature. And today’s announcement brings us that much closer to avoiding that “point of no return.”
We’re also agreeing to devote more resources to finding and using safer, more climate-friendly alternatives. And we’re building on the significant gains we’ve already made to protect ourselves and our children from the dangerous effects of climate change.
At EPA, we’re doing our part to cut down on HFCs here at home.
Just two weeks ago, we finalized two rules that will reduce the use and emissions of HFCs. The first—under our Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program—adds new alternatives to the list of acceptable substitutes for HFCs. It also sets deadlines to completely stop using HFCs in certain applications where safer alternatives are available. The second rule strengthens our current refrigerant management practices and extends them to include HFCs.
This week has truly been historic. Our global commitment to protecting our planet brought us to this moment. It’s an exciting time for all of us who have worked so hard to get here. And while we have seen many significant successes under President Obama’s leadership in tackling climate change, this day will be remembered as one of the most important. I was proud to represent the United States in Rwanda this week. There is no doubt in my mind that U.S. leadership was essential to reaching this agreement.
Yes, there will be challenges ahead. But the past week reminds us that when faced with clear science, when buoyed by the strong partnership of developed and developing countries working together, we can make great strides to protect the one planet we have.
Dhaval
Oct 15, 2016 @ 08:34:25
Nice information, It do help to cut down the damage in ozone layer .
Kevin Tuerff
Oct 15, 2016 @ 09:15:58
Great news! Thank you for your leadership.
Mags
Oct 15, 2016 @ 11:23:15
Excellent news!! So glad to hear we are all in the battle to win this climate war! We all need to take this seriously!
Domenick Fugarino
Oct 15, 2016 @ 15:13:24
How about a new energy technology, that is green, produces no heat or CO2, is fauna and flora friendly, produces more energy on less land at lower cost, with many other unique applications that will better meet your temperature reduction goals?
It’s time to fish, no longer to cut bait.
Dexter
Oct 25, 2016 @ 08:24:44
Thats write!
natural world
Nov 26, 2016 @ 17:50:49
well said domenick! i think the technology exist but big money gets in the way
David demisa
Oct 17, 2016 @ 13:13:15
Thanks for causing us people who do not have the millions like you do to afford air conditioning for our homes and cars in the next few years thanks yo your ridiculous agreement in Rwanda. Just so our global temperature doesn’t rise 2 degree by the the END OF THE CENTURY?????? You should be impeached for Flint Michigan. Yeah you are jet setting to Africa while the people in Flint drink lead in their water…..typical politician.
Terrence forest
Oct 21, 2016 @ 16:37:30
I agree
Sm
Oct 26, 2016 @ 11:11:48
Good job!!
Besides Global warming is from the sun not by our emissions. Besides if the poles melted the water levels would stay the same because after the green house water shield fell to the earth and flooded it exposed the North and South poles froze animals in their tracks while they were still eating. The mammoth discovery in the 70s I believe was part of the proof the other proof was when in the late 90s they drilled deep into the earth and discovered that at one point in time the barometric pressure was two times as much than now and the O2 levels were 3 times higher than now. That explains it. Also man lived for hundreds of years due to more oxygen and barometric pressure which causes a more substantial lower heart rate.
If you don’t believe me fill a glass with ice pour water in and watch it melt. So does the water run over the glass or stay the same level?
Malerier
Oct 17, 2016 @ 18:01:30
The battle for a better climate is so important.
I am running a “save-the-planet” campaign in Denmark, where we are selling art at a galley and we are donating all the profit to green-enviroment.
We have raised a lot of money so far. Not much in the big picture, but all steps matters.
It is important that we all do what we can, so we dont loss this one planet.
Best regards
Malerier
Pete
Oct 18, 2016 @ 12:11:17
This is a monumental achievement, years of work. I hope the up coming regulations will be build on the past allowance rule on CFC and HCFC production and consumption. EPA should be aware of those who should be banned from participating in the allowance system for failure to report under GHG and other Rules and Laws that Govern our precious environment. Following the Labor Dept’s “Black List” Rule
Godlove
Oct 18, 2016 @ 13:03:44
I think that’s a great change.
I found out in Germany they have completely stop the use of plastic bags in markets and now use paper bags.
Which can ensure decomposition.
OSCAR FREDY POSSO VITALI
Oct 20, 2016 @ 16:48:52
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY, EPA; HAS LIKE MAIN PORTION IN THEIR MISSION CARE OF AIR.
Sarkari Naukri
Oct 21, 2016 @ 08:57:49
great effort by our govt by providing such exceptional services. Thanks. EPA
Terrence forest
Oct 21, 2016 @ 16:36:26
Great info. Thanks!!
Roman reigns
Oct 22, 2016 @ 12:39:59
This is really a great news thanks and thanks for your leadership
fashion blogger
Oct 23, 2016 @ 21:14:27
very interesting article, climate is important
Cansas
Oct 23, 2016 @ 22:47:46
I am doing research on how farming is a contributor to global warming if anyone has tips of where to get more information please send them my way. “Save the Planet ” Denmark that sound so awesome how can I help?
Panash India
Oct 24, 2016 @ 04:23:31
Much Needed Change! Great going.
Dexter
Oct 25, 2016 @ 08:23:25
Interesting article. Thanks.
Bruno de Souza
Oct 25, 2016 @ 09:15:25
Excellent news!! So glad to hear we are all in the battle to win this climate war! We all need to take this seriously!
Proshred St. Louis
Oct 27, 2016 @ 10:14:06
Another way we can help prevent global warming is by recycling as much as possible and utilizing document shredding services at your home or workplace. Reducing paper waste is vital to protecting the planet and we can all do our part.
This is directly from my website, but we estimate that the resulting recycled paper from document shredding services has helped conserve over 396,100 trees, 8.9 million gallons of oil, 69,900 cubic yards of landfill space, 93.2 million kilowatt hours of energy (enough to power almost 11,000 average American homes for a year), 163 million gallons of water, and 1.4 million pounds of air pollution.
Thanks again for the great article!
Translator
Nov 06, 2016 @ 17:42:22
Thanks For your great article about Climate Change.
Carol Hinkley
Nov 11, 2016 @ 11:07:35
Wow. Great news! We are well on our way to making a big change and protecting our environment for future generations to enjoy – all thanks to you at the EPA! If you don’t hear it enough, thanks for all you do.
Bienfaits
Nov 24, 2016 @ 08:24:26
Much Needed Change and our scientists must take it seriously to save the Planet.
bird man
Nov 26, 2016 @ 17:52:38
congratulations on the great news. there is still hope for our planet
Stu
Dec 14, 2016 @ 19:13:17
I see lots of Brainwashed people on here.
ceyhun Yurdabak
Dec 16, 2016 @ 09:27:21
Congratulations. İt is a great news. Everything is in our hands. There is no rest for the weary.Thanks EPA.