Europe has made significant strides in phasing out super-polluting refrigerants, but the real test lies ahead. Trump’s return to the White House, industry pushback, and illegal trade threaten to derail Europe’s ambitious roadmap to climate-friendly cooling. In this piece, we outline the steps needed to stay on track.
This article was orginially published in Euractiv with Davide Sabbadin and Fionnuala Walravens, campaigner at the Environmental Investigation Agency.
Today, most air-conditioners, commercial refrigeration and car cooling systems rely on a potent but little-known climate threat — fluorinated gases (F-gases).
Originally promoted as substitutes for ozone-depleting substances, F-gases were later found to be powerful greenhouse gases with global warming effects hundreds to thousands of times greater than carbon dioxide (CO₂). Today, F-gases have become a significant climate challenge, accounting for approximately three per cent of the EU’s total greenhouse gas emissions — equivalent to the emissions from the entire EU aviation sector.
Recognising the scale of the threat, the EU made a trail-blazing move last year, announcing the world’s first phase-out of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a popular type of F-gas.
Supported by bans on the use of HFCs in new equipment, such as domestic air-conditioning and heat pumps, and mandatory training for those working on climate-friendly natural refrigerants, Europe’s updated F-gas Regulation promises to unlock innovation and investment in sustainable cooling and drive emission reductions of 500 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalence by 2050 — that equates to 90 per cent of the EU’s annual emissions from burning coal.
Maintaining international momentum
The EU’s roadmap for phasing out HFCs moves global expectations.
Through the Montreal Protocol, the landmark agreement commonly heralded as the world’s most successful environmental treaty ever, countries have committed to eliminating ozone-depleting substances.
From 2016, thanks to the Kigali Amendment, the Protocol also mandates global HFC reductions, but falls short of a complete phase-out, with scientists warning that the current schedule is not aligned with a 1.5 °C warming trajectory. The EU now clearly leads the way.
With the demand for cooling predicted to skyrocket in the Global South as global temperatures rise and living standards improve, the need for climate-safe refrigerants has never been more pressing.
The return of Donald Trump as the next US President may cast doubts over climate leadership. However, with countries and investors following Europe’s transformation towards natural refrigerants, this is no time to shy away from Europe’s pivotal role as a beacon of climate progress and innovation.
The growing illegal trade
Despite the EU’s stringent regulations, illegal trade in F-gases persists, fueled by both organised crime and non-compliant businesses.
Recently, customs officials at the Port of Rotterdam seized more than €1.5 million worth of illegal refrigerants, just one of many seizures over the past year alone. As Europe’s HFC reductions kick in, ongoing demand drives up the market price.
The prospect of high profits combined with low levels of detection attract organised criminals. According to the Environmental Investigation Agency, illicit refrigerant trade in 2020 could have added up to 30 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions — comparable to the annual emissions of 6.5 million cars.
The surge in F-gas smuggling highlights an urgent need to strengthen enforcement of the F-gas Regulation. New measures brought earlier this year offer additional tools to combat illicit trade. EU regulators and national authorities must use this tool kit to intensify cross-border cooperation to track, seize and penalise shipments of unlawful refrigerants.
Walking the talk
As with other Green Deal initiatives, the true test for the F-gas Regulation is in its implementation.
For Europe, leading by example is more than a moral duty, it is a competitive advantage. The EU is already home to numerous major producers of natural refrigerants and sustainable cooling companies, which together have the potential to create thousands of green jobs, and position Europe as a global frontrunner.
A successful transition to climate-friendly refrigerants is in everyone’s interest. Forward-thinking businesses, and climate advocates must urge EU governments to keep up the momentum.
Together with the EEB and six other European civil society organisations, EIA has developed a handbook outlining the next steps for European policymakers, industry and enforcement agencies needed to support Europe’s transition to sustainable, F-gas-free cooling.
Key priorities at national level should include enforcing penalties, training installers in climate-safe refrigerants and establishing market signals for natural refrigerants. Internationally, the EU should push for a Montreal Protocol commitment to a global F-gas phase-out by 2050.
Europe has come a long way with its F-gas Regulation — now it must ensure that political hesitation, industry pushback and illegal trade do not derail this progress.
