HFCs’ accord a good start

A landmark binding agreement among nearly 200 nations to phase out hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) by 2045 is a significant step to counter the threat of global warming. Paradoxically, with global heat rising, mostly in metropolitan heat islands in an urbanising world, refrigerant gases are increasingly used in homes and cars. Reversing the process is expensive and time-consuming, but is vital to reduce potent greenhouse gases. HFCs are specially dangerous with a kilogram of the gas thought to trap up to 15,000 times more heat than the same amount of carbon dioxide. The world is determined to reverse the process of global warming: cutting use of HFCs is a key part, the first step having been taken with the agreement signed in Rwanda over the weekend.

The bigger argument — of how developed nations caused this crisis in their rapid industrialisation from early 20th century, and whether they should be compelled to pay the developing world to cut their carbon footprints — isn’t likely to be resolved quickly. Who will pay the bigger costs involved in using alternatives to HFCs when developed nations hold expensive patents is another ticklish issue in finalising a global action plan. Yet the developing nations have taken a sporting worldview, and they too are willing to cooperate to save the planet. This spirit was seen in the Paris accord’s ratification by India, which emits only 4.5 per cent of global greenhouse gases and yet understands the need to act swiftly to curb global temperatures rising, that caused glaciers to melt, sea levels to rise and rainfall patterns to shift.