China News Service, Beijing, November 11 (Reporter Xiao Xin) The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on the 20th called on all sectors of the world to work together to complete the goals set by the < Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer > the Kigali Amendment (hereinafter referred to as the "Kigali Amendment") to curb global warming and reduce the production and use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by 20% by 2047.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme (Asia and Pacific) OzonAction (Ozon), scientifically speaking, the amount of sunlight reaching the Earth's surface is just enough to sustain human, animal and plant life, and the remaining heat is reflected off the Earth's surface to prevent the Earth from overheating. But now, excessive emissions of greenhouse gases caused by human activities have trapped heat in the lower atmosphere in which we live.
The picture shows the Antarctic ozone hole. (Photo courtesy of the Ozone Secretariat of the United Nations Environment Programme)
The United Nations Environment Programme (Asia and Pacific) Ozone Action warns that global warming not only leads to extreme weather such as drought and extreme heat, but also that for ordinary people, "overheating the planet" can endanger health and even life: excessive exposure to direct sunlight can bring serious health risks such as skin cancer, cataracts, and a compromised immune system.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme (Asia and Pacific) OzonInitiative, man-made potent greenhouse gases such as hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are widely used in human production and life, are closely related to global warming. The refrigeration industry, which makes extensive use of HFCs, emits even more CO10 than the aviation industry, accounting for <>% of global emissions. "In refrigerators and air conditioners, HFCs are often packed in a colourful round container that is difficult for people to see. Greenhouse gases are emitted when HFCs are produced, used and disposed of in the refrigeration industry. HCFCs, HFCs, etc., can make humans feel cool and forget about heat for a while, but they are a heating agent for the earth. ”
The United Nations Environment Programme (Asia and the Pacific) OzonAction calls on people to say "no" to refrigerators and air conditioners containing HCFCs, HFCs, and to use refrigerators and air conditioners containing low or zero global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants. If you don't plan to buy new equipment, you need to properly maintain and service your existing equipment to ensure that you don't let the refrigerant leak.
As of October 2023, the Kigali Amendment, which aims to limit HFCs, has been ratified by 10 countries, including China, according to the latest news released by the United Nations Environment Programme. It is estimated that a global temperature rise of 155.2047 degrees Celsius to 85.2100 degrees Celsius by 0 would be avoided if all, including governments and citizens, were to reduce the use of HFCs by 3% by 0, as required by the Kigali Amendment. (ENDS)