Inbuilt storage

Earth's mantle could be holding three times the water found in oceans

Environment Day special: ACmageddon

Leapfrog the chemical treadmill

Go straight to climate-friendly options for refrigerants

US, China to work together on phasing down HFCs

India cautious in response; to disclose stand in Bangkok end of June

Ozone-smart, climate-cool

Ozone conundrum

Refrigeration and air-conditioning industry has switched to ozonefriendly hydrofluorocarbons. But these are super global warming gases and need …

Ozone layer recovery may take several lifetimes. But Montreal Protocol saved the Earth

The stratospheric ozone layer absorbs a portion of the ultraviolet radiation from the sun, preventing it from reaching the surface of Earth  

Safeguarding Ozone and Earth

As we celebrate the 22nd International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, Down To Earth takes a look at what should be done to …

BIS to revisit safety standards on use of hydrocarbons in fridges and ACs

CSE had recommended amendments to a standard which would allow wider use of the refrigerant

Montreal Protocol: India opposes discussion on HFCs on opening day

Co-chair takes note of India’s stand but moves to ensure agenda item on North American and Micronesia amendments get adopted

A monopoly like none other

An amendment to the Montreal Protocol without addressing IPR issues of HFOs would mean that the entire MAC sector would be at the mercy of three …

China announces major cuts in industrial production of ozone depleting substances

Move will eliminate over 93 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in greenhouse gas emissions

Countries agreed to ban ozone-depleting chemicals in 1980s — but 5 CFCs are increasing to record levels in atmosphere

The 1987 Montreal protocol restricted the release of chlorofluorocarbons to the atmosphere

Greening food transport

Cold storage trucks are important to ferry food. A new British technology would use liquid air to power truck refrigeration units. But is it …

‘Developed nations want India to leapfrog to a technology which even they have not accepted’

With climate change negotiations round the corner, an important debate on the use and phase out of hydrofluorocarbons used as coolant in …

Obama’s grand climate plan doesn’t add up

Obama used all the right words. He tried to please all. But ultimately it will not curb emissions in the US to the required levels. Further, it …

Montreal Protocol: crucial meet on HFCs begins

Should these coolant gases be discussed under Montreal Protocol? Outcome of Bangkok meet may influence climate talks later this year

The gas game

Fluorocarbons, which created a hole in the ozone layer, have generated intense global debates. But these have been more about business than …