Montreal Protocol Could Soon Ban Climate-Warming HFCs; China Reaches Peak Coal
Secretary Kerry Delivers Remarks at the Montreal Protocol session in Vienna
Credit: U.S. Department of State
The New York Times (7/23) said the Montreal Protocol could be amended as soon as October to ban hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) – potent greenhouse gas chemicals used in air conditioners and refrigerators. The 1989 Montreal Protocol banned ozone depleting chemicals and is one of the world’s most widely adopted treaties.
Climate Home (7/22) published comments on the Montreal Protocol made by Secretary of State John Kerry, who said the amendment would be a big win in the fight against climate change.
The Guardian (7/25) said a new study shows that China’s coal consumption peaked in 2014 and has continued to decrease since then. The authors of the study said this is a permanent trend, due to shifts in the Chinese economy and a crackdown on pollution.
The Washington Post (7/25) said the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a scientific finding that emissions from some airplanes contribute to climate change and pose health risks for Americans, a key step toward regulating climate pollution from airplanes.
The BBC (7/26) said Sri Lanka is taking measures to protect its mangroves, in an effort to combat climate change and increase resilience.
The Washington Post (7/25) covered a new study that linked climate-related disasters to the outbreak of violent conflict, notably in countries marked by ethnic division.
Voice of America (7/21) reported that the World Meteorological Organization said global warming is happening faster than predicted, citing record-setting global temperatures, high carbon dioxide levels, and extreme heat in the Arctic as indicators.
