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Natasha Kochova project coordinator at UNIDO ( United Nations Industrial Development Organisation ). |
Natasha Kochova , project coordinator at UNIDO ( United Nations Industrial Development Organisation ), addressed the issue of the Kigali Implementation Plan ( KIP ) for reducing hydrofluorocarbon ( HFC ) emissions took centre stage . The meeting underscored the urgent need for global action to address the environmental impact of HFCs , particularly in the refrigeration and air conditioning sectors . The presentation provided a detailed overview of HFC emissions , revealing that refrigerants contribute 19 % to global greenhouse gas emissions , with electricity consumption for running these systems accounting for a staggering 79 %. This highlights the critical role of energy efficiency in mitigating overall emissions from these technologies .
South Africa was spotlighted for its ambitious goals under the Kigali Amendment , which aims for an 80 % reduction in HFC consumption by 2045 . This initiative aligns with the Kigali Amendment ' s phased
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reduction schedule , which sets specific targets for 2029 , 2035 , 2040 , and 2045 .
Key to achieving these targets is the implementation of an effective HFC licensing system and the adoption of harmonised tariff codes . These measures are essential for tracking and managing HFC use and ensuring compliance with international standards .
The meeting also emphasised the need for enhanced energy efficiency measures to complement the HFC phase-down efforts . Challenges related to non-specific tariff codes were highlighted as a barrier to progress , underscoring the importance of precise and standardized regulations .
Kochova elaborated on UNIDO ' s role in promoting inclusive and sustainable industrial development , including efforts to advance energy-efficient technologies and circular economy practices . She pointed out that the Kigali Amendment represents a gradual phase-down of HFCs rather than an outright phase-out , with specific schedules for both developed and developing countries . South
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Africa , categorised as a developing country under Article 5 of the amendment , will follow a tailored baseline and reduction framework .
As the global community moves towards these ambitious goals , KIP stands as a critical step in reducing the environmental impact of HFCs and advancing towards a more sustainable future .
UNIDO OUTLINES KEY STRATEGIES FOR KIGALI AMENDMENT COMPLIANCE AND HFC PHASE-DOWN
The Kigali Amendment introduces new annexes that control 18 substances , including Group 1 and Group 2 HFCs . Notably , Group 2 encompasses HFC-23 , a byproduct of R-22 with an exceptionally high global warming potential ( GWP ) of nearly 15 000 . These substances are subject to strict phase-down schedules across all ratifying countries .
For Article 5 countries , including South Africa , the HFC consumption baseline is calculated based on the average
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