Statement of Bob Perciasepe
President, Center for Climate and Energy Solutions

October 15, 2016

On the agreement in Kigali, Rwanda, to amend the Montreal Protocol to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), one of the most potent and fastest growing sources of greenhouse gases.

Less than a year after the Paris Agreement, and just a week after a new pact limiting greenhouse gas emissions from aviation, today’s agreement in Kigali completes a powerful trifecta of international accords combating climate change. This step alone can help avoid half a degree of warming by century’s end.

The United States again helped set the stage for agreement, adopting strong domestic regulations to limit HFCs and pressing other nations to commit to an ambitious timeline for freezing and phasing down use of these powerful climate pollutants. In an unprecedented move, foundations and other philanthropists also pledged $53 million to help developing countries move from HFCs to more energy-efficient alternatives.

Over nearly three decades, the Montreal Protocol has virtually eliminated the substances that were damaging the Earth’s protective ozone layer. With strong support from the private sector, nations are now taking the next step by enlisting the Protocol to dramatically reduce the impact of HFCs on our climate.

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For more information: Read C2ES Senior Advisor Stephen Seidel’s blog

To speak to a C2ES expert, please contact Laura Rehrmann, press@c2es.org, 703-516-4146

About C2ES: The Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization promoting strong policy and action to address our energy and climate challenges. Learn more at www.c2es.org.