Press Releases
Status of Patents and Legal Challenges: Patents Related to The use of HFO-1234yf in Auto Air Conditioning
January 7, 2022
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
China’s Zero-Waste Cities Plan to Mitigate Methane and Other Waste-Sector Emissions During the 14th Five-Year Period
December 16, 2021
On 15 December 2021, the China Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) issued the 14th Five-Year Work Plan on the Construction of Zero-Waste Cities, together with another 17 national ministries and agencies. The Work Plan identifies the sectors, timeline, and process for building 100 zero-waste cities by 2025. read more
Kristen N. Taddonio, IGSD Senior Climate and Energy Advisor, Recognized with 2021 Leadership in Sustainable Purchasing Award
December 15, 2021
The award recognizes “an individual whose vision, leadership, and dedicated effort have been fundamental to the advancement of the sustainable purchasing movement”. 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
Dr. Gabrielle Dreyfus, IGSD Chief Scientist, Named to 2021 Environment+Energy Leader 100 Honoree List
November 29, 2021
Environment+Energy Leader announced today that IGSD’s Chief Scientist Dr. Gabrielle Dreyfus has been named to the 2021 Environment+Energy Leader 100, recognizing environment and energy “doers” who break trail in creating new solutions, programs, platforms, best practices, and products to help achieve greater success in commercial and industrial environment and energy management. 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’s Industry Green Development Plan Incorporates Actions to Address Non-CO2 Climate Pollutants
November 16, 2021
On 15 November 2021, the China Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) issued the 14th Five-Year Plan on Industry Green Development (“Plan”). The Plan provides key targets, action items, and mechanisms for the green transformation of China’s industrial sectors. These sectors will play a significant role in achieving China’s goals of peaking carbon emissions […] 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
