Saint Lucia is set to further cut greenhouse gas emissions by phasing out hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Although HFCs do not harm the ozone layer, they are thousands of times more potent than carbon dioxide.
To accelerate the transition to natural alternatives, the National Ozone Unit is engaging with the refrigeration and air conditioning sector. National Ozone Officer Kasha Hytmiah said this effort is part of the Kigali Implementation Plan (KIP).
“Saint Lucia’s KIP was launched in a ceremony on World Ozone Day, September 16,” Hytmiah said. “The KIP will run concurrently with the Ozone Unit’s Hydrochlorofluorocarbon Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP). Customs officers will receive training on a licensing and quota system for HFCs. Meanwhile, the National Ozone Unit and the Energy Unit of the Ministry of Infrastructure will explore how the environmental and energy efficiency of natural refrigerants can justify incentivizing importers.”
The Kigali Implementation Plan is a part of the Montreal Protocol, an international ozone treaty, through its Kigali Amendment. In addition to the KIP launch, World Ozone Day featured the annual Reset Earth Movie and Games Day event, aimed at educating students about the treaty and efforts to phase out ozone-depleting and global warming chemicals.
Source/Photo: Government of Saint Lucia (via govt.lc)
