EU pledges €3m in HFC reduction funds

EUROPE: The European Commission is to provide €3m in aid for early action to replace climate-warming gases in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The announcement, made prior to this morning’s landmark decision on a global phase down of HFCs, is in addition to €8m the EU is already providing for similar projects in Africa, Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

Speaking at this week’s meeting in Kigali, EU climate action and energy commissioner Miguel Arias Cañete said: “Taking action on HFCs is a necessary step if we are serious about tackling this major source of greenhouse gas emissions. It is not only a cost-effective way to cut emissions, but will also lead to further gains in energy efficiency.

“It is essential that we help our partners in the developing world to seize the opportunities within their reach to protect the climate,” he added.

The project will help fund training on handling alternative technologies, promote large-scale pilot projects and support measures to avoid emissions during and after use of equipment. The project will also support the development of national strategies to reduce the use of HFCs.