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Low-lying and other vulnerable countries calling for fast action on non-CO2 global warming pollutants

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Led by the tiny Pacific island of the Federated States of Micronesia, a growing group of low-lying islands and other vulnerable countries are calling for fast action on the approximately 50% of global warming that is caused by pollutants other than carbon dioxide (CO 2 ). The next round of UN climate negotiations begins in Cancun today.

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Indo-US task force to study HFC phase-down

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HFCs are chemicals are potential substitutes for ozone-depleting and climate-warming CFCs and HCFCs currently being phased out under the Montreal Protocol treaty to protect the ozone layer. The Joint Task Force will submit its report by 1 August 2011. The United States, Mexico, and Canada also proposed a similar amendment.

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Cutting Non-CO2 Pollutants Can Delay Abrupt Climate Change; The Fast Action Climate Agenda

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HFCs are powerful greenhouse gases originally developed as substitutes for ozone-depleting chemicals. A binding legal agreement exists that can cut HFCs now—the Montreal Protocol ozone treaty—and many alternatives to HFCs have already been developed and are waiting for the right regulatory incentive from the Montreal Protocol to be deployed.

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Study: Hydrofluorocarbons Will Contribute Significantly to Global Warming by 2050

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Global ozone-depleting substances (ODSs) and HFC emissions (A), global CO 2 and HFC emissions (B), and ODS, HFC, and CO 2 global RF (C) for the period 2000–2050. These HFCs, gases used in refrigerators and air conditioners, are substitutes for ozone-depleting gases, but they are also strong greenhouse gases. Velders et al.

Global 150
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New international Climate and Clean Air Coalition to focus on reduction of short-lived climate pollutants

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Fast action on pollutants such as black carbon, ground-level ozone and methane may help limit near-term global temperature rise and significantly increase the chances of keeping temperature rise below 2 °C (3.6 °F), Integrated Assessment of Black Carbon and Tropospheric Ozone: Summary for Decision Makers. Earlier post.).

Climate 210
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US Climate Action Report to UN Projects 4% Growth in Total US GHG Emissions to 2020

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A large portion of missions growth is driven by HFCs, because demand for refrigeration and air conditioning is increasing and because HFCs are predominantly used as alternatives for ozone-depleting substances, which are being phased out under the Montreal Protocol. Calls for rapid action on HFCs.

Climate 199
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North American Countries Target “Super” Greenhouse Gases Through Strengthened Ozone Treaty

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The US, Canada, and Mexico have submitted a proposal to strengthen climate protection under the Montreal Protocol— the international treaty that phases out the production of a number of substances responsible for ozone depletion. The Federated States of Micronesia submitted a similar proposal on HFCs as well. Source: IGSD.

Ozone 170