The Group of Eight Pledges More Rigid Response on CO2 Eradication-

G8 leaders have recently acknowledged the “broad scientific view that the increase in global average temperature above pre-industrial levels ought not to exceed 2˚C”. The group also committed to taking on a more persistent stance to diminish the use of super greenhouse gases hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), as well as “taking rapid action to address other significant climate forcing agents, such as black carbon”. Black carbon, a short term climate depleting agent responsible for 50 percent of the warming in the Arctic and the Hindu-Kush-Himalaya-Tibetan Plateau, is derived mainly from diesel engines in developed nations, and in developing countries it comes primarily from agricultural burning and biomass cook stoves. The warming in these areas is occurring at more than twice the global average rate, raising concerns among global analysts. HFCs, or hydrofluorocarbons, are utilized as foam-blowing agents and refrigerants and contain up to 14,800 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide. The only way to seriously and drastically cut carbon dioxide levels to meet the global average temperature of 2˚C is to employ hasty cuts in CO2 production, which are the cause of half the emissions released, and other “non carbon dioxide” emissions, which are producing the other half. Non-CO2 emissions include black carbon and two other short-term climate forcing agents, methane and tropospheric ozone, or ground level smog. Another includes perfluorocarbons, which stay trapped in our atmosphere for around 50,000 years, and sulfur hexafluoride, with an atmospheric lifetime of roughly 3,200 years. The Federated States of Micronesia, along with Papua New Guinea, the Republic of the Fiji Islands and the Republic of the Marshall Islands recently forwarded a letter of consideration to President Obama asking for U.S. collaboration regarding an HFC abrogation proposal, stressing the utmost significance in dealing with these super greenhouse gases right away, stating, “Even if developed countries made significant mid-term cuts in CO2 emissions, the continued growth of HFCs globally could trigger near-term abrupt climate changes that would destroy our way of life, our homes, and displace our populations.” The shocking facts backing global warming has caused a rise in support for plans to completely diminish the use of harmful atmospheric polluters, and in turn, is proving our world with the hope that we can collectively work to repair the decades of damage we have caused this magnificent planet for our children and generations to come.

The Group of Eight’s proclamation asserts that:

“We recognize that the accelerated phase-out of HCFCs mandated under the Montreal Protocol is leading to a rapid increase in the use of HFCs, many of which are very potent GHGs. Therefore we will work with our partners to ensure that HFC emissions reductions are achieved under the appropriate framework. We are also committed to taking rapid action to address other significant climate forcing agents, such as black carbon. These efforts, however, must not draw away attention from ambitious and urgent cuts in emissions from other, more long-lasting, greenhouse gases, which should remain the priority.”

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