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Klub ELS-ED v EP: Skleníkové plyny: Návrh Avril Doylové na snížení schválených objemů
The European Parliament today (Thursday 6 April) voted overwhelmingly in favour of reports on fluorinated greenhouse gases and emissions from motor vehicles air-conditioning systems. Irish MEP Avril Doyle presented her two reports in the European Parliament in Strasbourg as Rapporteur.
Fluorinated gases, known as f-gases, were introduced in the 90s to replace the ozone-depleting CFCs and HCFCs. They are used in all sorts of applications, some essential others less so: in insulating foams in aerosols, in refrigeration and air conditioning systems, in fire protection equipment and even in the soles of 'air' technology jogging shoes
As the debate on climate change developed following the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the harmful impact of these fluorinated gases, owing to their high global warming potential or GWP, became recognised as a major contributor – 5% and rising – to the ‘greenhouse effect’. Of the six greenhouse gases listed in the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, three are fluorinated gases
Speaking in the debate Avril Doyle warned that if no measures were taken emissions of fluorinated gases would be 50% above 1995 levels by 2010.
"Due to the measures agreed in this package of legislation emissions will be reduced by more than 20% from 1995 levels by 2012," she said.
Doyle said the legislation will enable member states to meet their Kyoto targets by containing the leakage and restricting the use of fluorinated gases.
The aim of the mobile air conditioning or MAC directive is to reduce emissions of fluorinated gases from air-conditioning in cars. Avril Doyle is of the opinion that a balance has to be struck between, on the one hand, being technology-prescriptive in relation to the GWP of the gases to be allowed according to the directive and, on the other hand, promoting the development of alternative environmental technologies.
"This legislation reaffirms the European Community's commitment to reducing climate change through the containment and restriction of use of fluorinated greenhouse gases.
"Importantly, member states which currently have progressive legislation on fluorinated greenhouse gases have not been forced to lower their environmental standards. This sends a strong signal to member states that they will be given every encouragement from the European Institutions to meet their obligations under the Kyoto Protocol.
"These reports are a positive step towards stopping global warming through the greenhouse effect by cutting down or cutting out the use of fluorinated gases where they are not necessary," she said.
Doyle's reports first came before the European Parliament voted in October of last year. In January, after a five hour conciliation meeting, the Parliament and Council reached agreement on the two pieces of legislation. At the time Doyle said the legislation "stuck a balance between environmental protection and the promotion of the single market".
Fluorinated gases, known as f-gases, were introduced in the 90s to replace the ozone-depleting CFCs and HCFCs. They are used in all sorts of applications, some essential others less so: in insulating foams in aerosols, in refrigeration and air conditioning systems, in fire protection equipment and even in the soles of 'air' technology jogging shoes
As the debate on climate change developed following the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the harmful impact of these fluorinated gases, owing to their high global warming potential or GWP, became recognised as a major contributor – 5% and rising – to the ‘greenhouse effect’. Of the six greenhouse gases listed in the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, three are fluorinated gases
Speaking in the debate Avril Doyle warned that if no measures were taken emissions of fluorinated gases would be 50% above 1995 levels by 2010.
"Due to the measures agreed in this package of legislation emissions will be reduced by more than 20% from 1995 levels by 2012," she said.
Doyle said the legislation will enable member states to meet their Kyoto targets by containing the leakage and restricting the use of fluorinated gases.
The aim of the mobile air conditioning or MAC directive is to reduce emissions of fluorinated gases from air-conditioning in cars. Avril Doyle is of the opinion that a balance has to be struck between, on the one hand, being technology-prescriptive in relation to the GWP of the gases to be allowed according to the directive and, on the other hand, promoting the development of alternative environmental technologies.
"This legislation reaffirms the European Community's commitment to reducing climate change through the containment and restriction of use of fluorinated greenhouse gases.
"Importantly, member states which currently have progressive legislation on fluorinated greenhouse gases have not been forced to lower their environmental standards. This sends a strong signal to member states that they will be given every encouragement from the European Institutions to meet their obligations under the Kyoto Protocol.
"These reports are a positive step towards stopping global warming through the greenhouse effect by cutting down or cutting out the use of fluorinated gases where they are not necessary," she said.
Doyle's reports first came before the European Parliament voted in October of last year. In January, after a five hour conciliation meeting, the Parliament and Council reached agreement on the two pieces of legislation. At the time Doyle said the legislation "stuck a balance between environmental protection and the promotion of the single market".
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