Friends of the Earth (HK) comment on the Proposed Amendments to the Ozone Layer Protection Ordinance and its Subsidiary Legislation
(Hong Kong, 28 October 2024)The Panel on Environmental Affairs meets today to discuss the proposed amendments to the Ozone Layer Protection Ordinance and its subsidiary legislation. Hydrofluorocarbon (HFCs) are primarily used in air conditioning and refrigeration as a refrigerant and also as fire suppressants. Certain HFCs however have global warming potentials (GWP) as high as 14,800 times more than carbon dioxide, exacerbating global warming and climate change. There is global consensus to prohibit the use of high GWP HFCs under the Kigali Amendment. China ratified the amendment in June 2021, and the relevant regulatory responsibilities have taken effect.
Friends of the Earth (HK) stressed that Hong Kong has a responsibility to implement the Kigali Amendment, fulfilling its international obligations and tackling climate change.
Friends of the Earth (HK) urges the government to adopt the following recommendations:
- Strengthen regulation and licensing systems: The government should set a licensing and quota system to regulate the import and export of controlled HFCs and prohibit local manufacture. It should also regularly review and update relevant data to reflect market changes and technological advances to ensure effective regulation.
- Phase down high GWP HFCs use: The government should set an upper limit on the use of high GWP HFCs in products and equipment, and provide financial incentives to encourage the industry to switch to low-GWP alternatives. At the same time, it should provide technical support and industry training to enable a smooth transition to new technologies, ensuring industry competitiveness and sustainable development.
- Promote safe recovery and recycling of HFCs: The government should develop guidelines for the recovery and recycling of HFCs under the premise of safety and environmental protection. The government should provide funding and technical support, enhancing training for relevant technicians to ensure they have the expertise to handle and recycle HFCs.
- Enhance public education and engagement: The government should expand the scope of public education, organising workshops and outreach activities to raise awareness of the environmental impacts of HFCs. The government should additionally maintain open communication with stakeholders and collect opinions from all parties to ensure the effectiveness and feasibility in policy implementation.