COP23 and MOP29 highlight the impact of refrigeration on the environment
COP23 and MOP29: negotiations continue
Global warming is a major challenge for the entire refrigeration sector.
A large number of countries met in Bonn, Germany, for the 23rd annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP23) from November 6-17, and in Montreal, Canada, for the 29th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol (MOP29) from November 20-24. These two events were an opportunity to review the national measures already in place and those to be carried in the fight against global warming.
As an independent intergovernmental organisation, the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) is actively involved in international events related to the climate. The following is an overview of the COP23 and the MOP29.
Negotiations continued at COP23
Delegates at the COP23 attempted to define mechanisms to be put in place to implement the December 2015 Paris Agreement over the intermediary 2018-2020 period, as most member states’ commitments under the Paris Agreement will be applied after 2020. Delegates discussed how to measure and monitor member states’ commitments to reduce emissions, as well as financing and reinforcement. Technical discussions should continue until the next COP at least, which will take place in Poland at the end of 2018.
The IIR had a booth at the COP23 and its Director General, Didier Coulomb, delivered a statement during the high-level segment of the conference. The statement highlighted the impact of fluorinated gases, energy efficiency and the cold chain on the environment. The IIR also promoted the European projects in which it is involved, such as REAL Alternatives for LIFE, CryoHub and SuperSmart, which all demonstrate how refrigeration can be used in their sectors.
The Montreal Protocol celebrated its 30th anniversary and the Kigali Agreement began to take form at MOP29
The main objective of the MOP29 was to define the commitments undertaken as part of the Kigali Agreement in October 2016 in terms of funding for developing countries (the Multilateral Fund), energy efficiency and safety regulations. These matters should also be discussed in 2018. The MOP29 was also an opportunity to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Montreal Protocol.
Of course, the IIR did not miss this major event: the Director General delivered a statement during the high-level segment of the conference and participated in the various scientific and technical discussions. The Director General was also interviewed by Radio Canada.
The impact of refrigeration on the environment
In tandem with these two international events, the IIR has published a new Informatory Note on the impact of refrigeration on the environment, as well as a summary for policymakers.
These texts evaluate and present the impact of the refrigeration sector on climate change: a necessary first step to clarify the climate change stakes related to refrigeration.