Ministry Unveils National Strategy to Phase Out Synthetic Gases in Climate Change Fight

The Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), launched the first phase of Jordan's national strategy to gradually reduce hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a significant step toward mitigating climate change. The initiative, funded by the Montreal Multilateral Fund, aims to phase out HFCs man-made greenhouse gases commonly used as alternatives to ozone-depleting substances like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). The strategy, introduced alongside Jordan's celebration of International Ozone Day, which falls annually on September 16, aims to reduce the country's HFC consumption by 54% by 2030. It focuses on sectors including domestic and commercial refrigeration, air conditioning, and maintenance, while promoting partnerships between public and private sectors to ensure a smooth transition to sustainable alternatives. During the event, UNIDO experts presented the first phase of the strategy, which includes projects to convert industries to environmentally friendly alternatives. These efforts will be supported by technological and technical assistance, ensuring adherence to both national and international safety standards. The transition to energy-efficient technologies is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and contribute to global climate change mitigation efforts under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol and the Paris Climate Agreement. The Kigali Amendment is a global agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly from the refrigeration industry. Jordan's participation is projected to reduce the Earth's temperature by half a degree Celsius by 2055, with Jordan contributing 1.6% of global efforts to reduce controlled substance consumption under the protocol and its amendments. UNIDO Resident Representative Sulaf Madanat commended Jordan for its leadership as the first Middle Eastern country to ratify the Kigali Amendment. She reaffirmed UNIDO's commitment to supporting Jordan in meeting i ts obligations by providing financial and technical support, particularly in key sectors such as refrigeration and air conditioning. The strategy's first phase will involve small and medium-sized enterprises, vocational training centers, academic institutions, and relevant government bodies, fostering a national effort toward sustainability. Assistant Secretary-General of the Ministry of Environment Abdul Majeed Khabour highlighted Jordan's dedication to fulfilling its international environmental commitments, emphasizing the ministry's partnership with the industrial sector to support the backbone of the national economy while advancing sustainable practices. Source: Jordan News Agency