Press Releases
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
Stephen O. Andersen Earns Future of Life Award for Efforts Protecting Ozone Layer
September 16, 2021
The Future of Life Institute today announced that IGSD’s Director of Research Dr. Stephen O. Andersen has been selected for the Future of Life Award, alongside Dr. Susan Solomon and late Joseph Farman, for their dedicated efforts to protect the stratospheric ozone layer. Their efforts are recognized for helping make the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, signed in 1987, the most successful international treaty in history. read more
Statement on the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer
September 15, 2021
As the world enters a crucial phase in the battle to combat climate change, International Ozone Day reminds us that the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is not only saving the stratospheric ozone layer and keeping us safe from harmful ultraviolet radiation but is also doing more than any other agreement to slow catastrophic global warming. As we celebrate the achievements of this planet-saving treaty, we also need to realize how much remains to be done. read more
China Takes Steps to Address HFC-23 Emissions in Advance of International Ozone Day
September 15, 2021
China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment released the Circular on Controlling the Emissions of HFC-23 By-products in advance of World Ozone Day. The Circular was issued as part of China’s efforts to implement the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. read more
Protecting Carbon Sinks Is Critical for Addressing Climate Emergency
August 23, 2021
In its 14th Five-Year Forestry and Grassland Protection and Development Plan China lays out targets for forestry and grassland conservation highlighting the importance of natural carbon sinks and biodiversity. read more
China Announces Plans for Domestic Regulatory and Policy Action on HFCs
July 26, 2021
At its monthly press conference, the China Ministry of Ecology and Environment announced plans for domestic regulatory and policy action to implement the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. read more
Cutting Methane Key to Keeping Earth From Warming Itself Beyond Human Control
May 6, 2021
Aggressively cutting methane emissions is the fastest and most effective way to reduce the rate of warming and keep the global average temperature from breaching the 1.5°C barrier above preindustrial levels, according to the Global Methane Assessment released today by UNEP and the CCAC. The Assessment calculates that available mitigation measures can cut emissions from human activities by 45 percent and avoid nearly 0.3 °C of warming by the 2040s. read more
China Announces Further Steps Toward Reduction of Non-CO2 Super Climate Pollutant Emissions
April 28, 2021
At the China State Council press conference, the China Ministry of Ecology and Environment announced actions on non CO2 greenhouse gases, including methane, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), nitrous oxide, and sulfur hexafluoride. Additionally, China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment announced further actions to support ozone-depleting substance management and control. read more
