2024-Q2 REFRIGERANTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Whereas #1 many hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) used as refrigerants are extreme greenhouse gases that are thousands of times more powerful than CO2 when it comes to warming the planet; and
Whereas #2 Canada ratified the Kigali Amendment in 2017 to reduce HFC consumption by 85% by 2036; and
Whereas #3 the next planned review of HFC regulations will not happen until 2027-28; and
Whereas #4 emissions of HFC occur due to degradation or faulty maintenance and the product has to be refilled with the same refrigerant; and
Whereas #5 most refrigerants used in Canada today are not environmentally friendly including those in heat pumps; therefore be it
Resolved #1 that the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as policy that all refrigerants used in Canada be environmentally friendly; and be it further
Resolved #2 that the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to:
a) adjust their review of hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) regulations by 2025-2026 so HFCs can be replaced as soon as possible with environmentally friendly refrigerants
b) strongly enforce the regulations to replace HFCs
c) ensure the collection, transportation and safe destruction of used HFC refrigerants