Press Releases
Global Agreement to Phase Down HFCs Enters into Force
January 3, 2019
On 1 January 2019 the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol entered into force, mandating the phase down of super climate pollutants HFCs. The amendment has been ratified by 65 parties. read more
Global warming will happen faster than we think
December 5, 2018
From developments in renewable energy, to the growing capacity of energy-storage systems and the adoption of electric vehicles, global action taken to combat rising temperatures has undoubtedly come a long way. But as climate impacts mount, little time remains to ramp up the necessary ambition to limit temperatures to 1.5°C. read more
Montreal Protocol Aims High in Quito to Avoid 1º C of Future Warming
November 10, 2018
At the conclusion of the annual meeting of the Montreal Protocol, the Parties took their strongest action yet to increase energy efficiency of cooling equipment in parallel with the mandated phase down of HFC refrigerants under the Kigali Amendment read more
Scientists Confirm Ozone Layer Healing Thanks to Montreal Protocol
November 5, 2018
The Montreal Protocol—the only treaty with universal membership of all UN countries—is continuing to heal the protective stratospheric ozone layer and also protecting the climate, a key scientific assessment concludes today. read more
Dangerous Demand for Air Conditioning
October 19, 2018
The efficiency of ACs needs to double in little over two decades as part of a drive to give the world a chance of avoiding dangerous climate change, the IEA reports. Otherwise, the growing demand for cooling and the fossil fuel needed to feed that demand will cause still more warming in a dangerous feedback loop, even as it saves lives, creates wealth, and improves education in the world’s hottest countries. read more
Entre la esperanza y el abismo: Informe Especial de Naciones Unidas sobre un Planeta con un incremento de 1.5°C de temperatura
October 7, 2018
El informe especial del Panel Intergubernamental Sobre Cambio Climático sobre las consecuencias de un Planeta a 1.5°C de temperatura o un Planeta a 2°C es un mensaje de esperanza, pero con una clara advertencia: si seguimos en la trayectoria actual caminamos hacia el abismo. read more
As World Warms, Millions More Need Cooling (and This Could Cause More Warming)
July 16, 2018
As the world warms up, the growing use of ACs and other cooling equipment will accelerate, and the extra energy needed to power the equipment will itself increase global warming. Two authoritative reports published this week grapple with how to break this vicious circle, and keep people cool without heating the planet. read more
Prestigious Sustainable Development Prize Awarded to Pioneering Climate Scientists Ramanathan and Hansen
June 18, 2018
Today the Tang Prize for Sustainable Development 2018 was awarded to Professor V. Ramanathan and Dr. James Hansen recognizing their pioneering work on climate change and its impact on the sustainability of the earth. read more
Dangerous Warming Ahead from Air Conditioning
May 15, 2018
Global energy demand for ACs is projected to triple by 2050, and when met with the current fossil fuel-heavy electricity generation will nearly double greenhouse gas emissions from this sector, further increasing the world’s need for cooling in a dangerous feedback loop. read more
World Health Organization Warns 90% of People at Risk from Air Pollution
May 2, 2018
In 2016, polluted air resulted in 7 million deaths globally—4.2 million from ambient air pollution and 3.8 million from the burning of solid fuels for heating and cooking—with low- and middle-income countries bearing the brunt of the burden. read more
