(a) whether the fluorinated chemicals used in air conditioners and refrigerators have the effects of climate-warming;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to phase out these harmful fluorinated chemicals?
MINISTER OF THE STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)
(a) & (b) Chlorofluorocarbon-11, chlorofluorocarbon-12 (CFC-12) and hydrochlorofluorocarbon-22 are the fluorinated
chemicals used in refrigerators and air-conditioners as refrigerants and foam blowing agents. These chemicals have
ozone depleting potential. In addition these chemicals have global warming potential. Hydrochlorofluorocarbons-134a
(HFC-134a) which is a replacement of CFC-12 is covered under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC) and its Kyoto Protocol since it is a greenhouse gas. HFC-134a has no ozone depleting potential.
(c) India, being a Party to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone
Layer, has taken the following actions to phase out ozone depleting substances:
(i) A detailed Country Programme for phase out of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODSs) was prepared in 1993. The regulatory
and fiscal measures have been taken to ensure phase out of ODSs as per the schedule specified in the Montreal Protocol
with financial and technical support received from the Multilateral Fund.
(ii) The Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund for the implementation of the Montreal Protocol has approved funding
for preparation of the National Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) Phase out and Management Plan for India to phase out HCFC in
a phased manner by 2030.
Under the UNFCCC and its Kyoto Protocol, there is no obligation on India to phase out of HFC-134a.