The global effort to phase down powerful heat-trapping hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) is gaining speed as several nations recently put forth detailed plans to curb HFC use. Negotiators at the upcoming Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) in Paris next month will weigh in on updated amendment proposals from North America, India, the European Union, and the Island States.

With support from China, Brazil, the African Group, and nearly all of Latin America and Asia, momentum is building toward reaching an agreement to phase down these super pollutants, which have up to 10,000 times the impact of CO2 pound-for-pound.

A summary chart by NRDC, Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), and Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development (IGSD) with inputs from experts, such as Steve Seidel and others, highlights the key features of each Montreal Protocol amendment proposal and the African Group’s non-paper draft submission. Click on the thumbnail at right for the summary chart.

via Amendment Proposals and Agreement on HFCs | The Energy Collective.