Press Releases
Status of Patents and Legal Challenges: Patents Related to The use of HFO-1234yf in Auto Air Conditioning
December 3, 2021
A new paper reviewes the status of patents granted on HFO-1234yf in automotive air conditioning in the US, Europe, and China, covering the largest automotive manufacturing regions in the world, primarily focusing on patents on the use of HFO-1234yf in automobiles, as opposed to patents on the manufacture of HFO-1234yf. This paper updates and expands upon a preceding publication co-authored by Stephen Seidel of the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions and Christine R. Ethridge of Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott LLC, published in July 2016 and titled “Status of Legal Challenges: Patents Related to the Use of HFO-1234yf in Auto Air Conditioning”. read more
Controlling Chemical Feedstocks under the Montreal Protocol Will Protect Oceans and Atmosphere
November 29, 2021
Tightening feedstock controls under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer will provide substantial environmental benefits to the ozone layer and climate while reducing plastic pollution and persistent organic pollutants, concludes a provocative new paper published today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. read more
China Announces Next Steps on Methane Emissions Control During the 14th Five-Year Period
November 25, 2021
China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment announced next steps for methane emissions control during the 14th Five-Year period (2021-2025), at its monthly press conference in November 2021. These steps are intended to support China’s targets for achieving net-zero emissions of all greenhouse gases by 2060 and implement the U.S.-China Joint Glasgow Declaration on Enhancing Climate Action in the 2020s. read more
China Releases White Paper and Convenes Press Conference on Climate Change Ahead of COP26
October 28, 2021
China released a white paper entitled Responding to Climate Change: China’s Policies and Actions with examples of the country’s actions and achievements to date in addressing climate change, in preparation for COP26. Highlights include acceptance of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol and the establishment of an alliance to control methane emissions in oil and gas enterprises. read more
Ahead of COP 26, China Submits Update to NDC and Mid-Century Development Strategy
October 28, 2021
China submitted its updated Nationally Determined Contributions and the Mid-Century, Long-Term Low Greenhouse Gas Emission Development Strategy (Mid-Century Strategy) to the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The key targets provided in the updated NDCs and Mid-Century Strategy are consistent with the provisions in two policy documents that China issued on 22 and 24 October 2021: the Working Guidance for Carbon Dioxide Peaking and Carbon Neutrality in Full and Faithful Implementation of the New Development Philosophy (22 Oct. 2021); and (2) the Action Plan for Achieving Carbon Peaking Before 2030 (24 Oct. 2021). read more
New Report Finds City-wide Adoption of Smart Surfaces in California Can Improve Air Quality and Public Health, Cut Urban Heat, and Support Equitable Development
October 27, 2021
A groundbreaking report by a coalition of leading national health, city policy, energy, planning, equity, and architecture organizations demonstrates that Smart Surfaces are very cost-effective in cutting soaring city temperatures, slowing climate change, and enhancing health and urban equity in hot dry climates. read more
China Announces Plans to Further Implement Kigali Amendment to Phasedown HFCs
October 16, 2021
China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) announced at a press briefing that it will issue additional HFC-related policies and measures to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer. read more
U.S., EU Expand Support for Fast Cuts to Methane
October 11, 2021
The U.S. and EU announced today that an additional 24 countries have committed to join their Global Methane Pledge unveiled jointly in September. The pledge is now backed by 9 of the top 20 methane-emitting countries. The entire group accounts for 60% of the global economy. John Kerry and Franz Timmermans encouraged those countries already joining to recruit other countries to join the pledge, with a goal of at least 100 countries by COP 26 in Glasgow. read more
EPA Accepts Petitions to Eliminate Super Polluting HFCs
October 8, 2021
By accepting petitions to phase out HFCs submitted under the technology transition authority of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking overdue action to stop the use of super polluting hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in refrigeration and air conditioning, aerosols, and foams sectors where safer alternatives are available. read more
U.S.- EU Launch Pledge to Cut Super Climate Pollutant Methane
September 17, 2021
The United States and the European Union launched a global pledge to reduce methane emissions by nearly a third by 2030, as part of a broader effort to increase ambition to address the climate crisis. The launch was announced at the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate hosted today by President Biden. This is the first time heads of State have pledged fast action to cut super climate pollutants to meet the 1.5°C temperature target of the Paris Agreement. read more
