ShareParis Agreement adopted during COP21: an accepted common framework for all nations
The Paris Agreement which was adopted during the Conference of Parties (COP21) on climate change is of the utmost importance.
It provides an accepted common framework for all nations, to implement ambitious national measures in order to reduce greenhouse gases emissions.
What happens now?
For the agreement to come into effect, it must now be signed by the different countries, especially by those who are the greatest emitters. However, what is certain is that few countries can allow themselves to revert. Financial reviews and assessments must also be concretely implemented; this will be the aim of future COPs, particularly the next one in Marrakech (Morocco) in November 2016.
The impact on refrigeration
This agreement is particularly important for the refrigeration industry. Firstly, because a solid collective effort must be put into practice in relation to all greenhouse gases, including fluorinated gases.
Extensive preparatory work was carried out in the case of the Montreal Protocol in order to reach an agreement on the reduction of the production and use of HFCs.
With a recognised general political impetus, there are no longer any major obstacles to negotiating an agreement on HFCs in 2016. A negotiation with a view to the progressive reduction of HFCs managed in accordance with the provisions and with the tools of the Montreal Protocol.
Subsequently, far-reaching measures in the energy sector (energy efficiency; use of renewable energy resources) must be launched in all countries. Refrigeration, air conditioning systems including, represent 17% of the global consumption of electricity (Informatory Note on The Role of Refrigeration in the Global Economy, IIR, 2015). The evolution of the energy sector in housing, transport, industry, services etc., will have an influence on all refrigeration facilities and we must take this into consideration, starting today.
The IIR at the heart of the action
This is why IIR participated in the COP21; and where the Director General, Didier Coulomb (see photo), gave a press statement (read the full statement). The IIR will continue to attentively follow the international discussions on climate change and HFCs in 2016 and will partake in these, whilst taking an active role in the establishment of measures at a regional and national level.
As from 2016, the IIR will participate in new research projects, ensuring its results are shared. The refrigeration sector needs new technology and, even more so, reliable and objective information to face these challenges; the IIR is here to ensure this.
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