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 …
HFC regulation: Countries yet to reach consensus
Gulf countries raised points on the availability of technology and finance for phasing out HFCs
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
Workshop aims at complete climate solution for sustainable future
This should be done in a way so as to synchronise improvements in energy efficiency and make a transition to low global warming potential alternatives
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
Effective transition to low global-warming potential alternatives dominates first day discussions
Countries express concerns on barriers caused by climate variations
Montreal Protocol workshop resumes talks on hydrofluorocarbon management
As a super-greenhouse gas, HFCs are thousand times more potent in trapping heat and thus contributing to climate change
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 …
Inbuilt storage
Earth's mantle could be holding three times the water found in oceans
Leapfrog the chemical treadmill
Go straight to climate-friendly options for refrigerants
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 …
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
‘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
HFC-23 emissions on the rise
India, China threaten to release more super greenhouse gas; developed countries just as guilty