International pressure is mounting towards restrictions on the emissions of HFCs under the United Nations Framework Climate Convention. The Climate Convention (signed by 167 nations at the Earth Summit in Rio, June 1992 ) states that emissions of greenhouse gases, including HFCs should be returned to their 1990 levels by the year 2000. Public pressure is needed to push governments over the edge towards effective controls on HFCs.
United Kingdom
In its first report, issued January 25, 1995, the British Government Panel on Sustainable Development recommended that "the Government should set targets for phasing out ozone depleting substances and HFCs in each key industrial sector, and should explore the scope for market incentives to encourage the development and introduction of alternative technologies."*
Netherlands
A recent report circulated by the Dutch Government calls for: (a) No use of HFCs if not essential; (b) Avoidance of HFCs having relatively high Global Warming Potential (e.g. HFCs-134a & 404a); (c) Avoidance of relatively "leaky" applications (e.g. automotive air conditioning).** This, in effect, would constitute a ban on the use of HFCs on all three criteria. The Dutch Government believes that the first option is the most effective way of dealing with HFC emissions.
United States
The US Administration announced in October, 1993 its concerns regarding the global warming potentials of HFCs. "Due to high global warming potentials, high atmospheric lifetimes, and increasing emissions, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are a growing contributors to the climate change problem...[President Clinton] "is directing the EPA to use its authority under the Clean Air Act to narrow the scope of uses allowed for HFCs with high global warming potentials where better alternatives exist."***
** Kroeze, C. "Potential Effect of HFC Policy on Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions in 2035", Op. Cit. [Return]
*** US Climate Change Action Plan, 19 October, 1993 [Return]