Press Releases
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
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
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
EPA Finalizes Rule on Safer HFC Alternatives Under SNAP Program
April 26, 2021
The United States EPA took an important step for climate protection today by finalizing Significant New Alternatives Policy program rule 23 (SNAP 23). This rule approves several low global warming potential refrigerants for split system air conditioners and heat pumps, including R-32. read more
World leaders to US: “Welcome back to the fight. This time I know our side will win”
April 22, 2021
Most world leaders who spoke this morning at President Joe Biden’s Leaders’ Summit welcomed the U.S. back to the climate fight. Many world leaders echoed President Biden’s science goal of limiting warming to 1.5 °C, and many shared the president’s focus on the decade of action to 2030. read more
To Address Near-Term Warming, U.S. and China Vow to Cooperate on HFCs, Methane, and Other Non-CO2 Greenhouse Gases
April 18, 2021
At the conclusion of their 17 April 2021 bilateral meeting, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry and China Special Envoy for Climate Change Xie Zhenhua pledged near-term actions to address the climate crisis. Countries pledge to strengthen Paris Agreement, implement the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, and reduce emissions under other sectoral agreements. read more
China to Accept Kigali Amendment on HFCs and Strengthen Action on Other Non-CO2 Greenhouse Gases
April 16, 2021
In a virtual summit with President Macron of France and Chancellor Merkel of Germany, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced China will accept the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. President Xi also mentioned China’s intention to strengthen the control of non-CO2 greenhouse gases. read more
Retire Fossil Fuels and Their Old Arguments: Reducing Energy Costs by Investing in Efficiency and Clean Renewable Energy Creates More Nationally-Distributed Jobs, Strengthens the Economy, and Protects the Climate
March 26, 2021
A fresh look at the economics of job creation reveals that investment in energy efficiency, decarbonization, and clean renewable energy creates a larger and more sustainable number of jobs if you consider the construction and manufacturing jobs as well as the many jobs created when the energy bill savings are spent locally. The job and economic advantage is even higher when health care savings and improvements in productivity from clean air are taken into account, according to a new analysis. read more
President Biden to Submit Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol for Senate Ratification
January 27, 2021
President Biden directed the State Dept. to prepare a transmittal package to the Senate for the ratification of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol to phase down potent HFCs. “President Biden knows the Senate better than any president before him, and will be using the advice and consent process to build bipartisan support for this and future climate action, which the American people are demanding,” said IGSD President, Durwood Zaelke. read more
Pandemic Relief Bill Mandates HFC Phasedown in Compliance with Montreal Protocol’s Kigali Amendment
January 8, 2021
In a huge win for the environment and American businesses, the Consolidated Appropriations Act that was signed into law on 27 December 2020 phases down potent greenhouse gases HFCs. Reducing HFC refrigerants could avoid up to 0.5°C of future warming. Climate benefits could double with parallel improvements in energy efficiency of cooling equipment. read more
