Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Sarah Jane Lebrasse
Published on 2024-03-15 17:00:01
“Most hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), commonly used in the refrigeration, air conditioning, and manufacturing sectors, have a high potential for climate change, resulting in harmful impacts on the ozone layer and the population as a whole. Therefore, the preparation of the Kigali Implementation Plan (KIP) is an important step towards the gradual reduction of hydrofluorocarbons.” This statement was made by the Minister of Environment, Solid Waste Management, and Climate Change, Kavy Ramano, yesterday, at the opening of a two-day workshop on the KIP.
Minister Ramano states that since 1992, Mauritius has committed to the gradual reduction of the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances, including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), under the Montreal Protocol.
He adds that in 2019, the country ratified the Kigali Amendment, stating that substantial efforts have been undertaken, with the help of local and international partners, in deploying alternative technologies and adopting sustainable practices, particularly in the refrigeration and air conditioning sectors.
HFC emissions are expected to increase by 30% by 2030. In this regard, he mentioned the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol in 2016, which will serve as a comprehensive roadmap to reduce HFC levels by 10% in 2029, 30% in 2035, 50% in 2040, and 80% by 2045. The freezing of production and consumption is expected to start from 2024, he explains.
The minister emphasizes that this gradual reduction effort is imperative to avoid more than 80 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions by 2050 and to decrease the risks of skin cancer, cataracts, and other health issues associated with excessive exposure to UV rays.
Furthermore, Minister Ramano informed that a national survey on HFC consumption was conducted in 2023. The results will be discussed during this workshop, and some elements will be incorporated into the KIP, which is expected to be finalized by September this year.
The workshop will involve the participation of two consultants, namely Nils Hansen and Neeta Sharma, from GIZ Proklima, an agency that has been proactive in promoting integrated ozone and climate protection in the cooling sector globally. He also confirmed that Mauritius received a grant of $170,000 from the multilateral company for the preparation of the KIP.
Addressing the consequences of inaction, Kavy Ramano highlighted the importance of reducing HFC emissions by developing a strong inventory of current HFC use, in order to promote a low-carbon economy, as well as a sustainable and resilient future. He also considered reducing HFCs to be everyone’s responsibility.
Speaking virtually, Nils Hansen mentioned the long-standing partnerships between Proklima and Mauritius since 1998. These include capacity building in the use of technologies. Currently, students and entrepreneurs are being offered training in the use of natural refrigerants at the University of Mascareignes in Mauritius.
Read the original article(French) on Le Mauricien
