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
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
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
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
