The United States Senate ratified a global treaty that would limit the emissions of super-pollutants commonly found in refrigerators and air conditioners. Known as the Kigali Amendment to the 1987 Montreal Protocol, the U.S. joined 137 other nations that have agreed to sharply reduce the production and use of hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs – potent greenhouse gases that experts say are more dangerous than carbon dioxide in warming the planet.
If you would like more context on this matter, please consider Caitlin Grady, assistant professor of engineering management and systems engineering at the George Washington University. Her areas of expertise include water, food and energy management as well as adaptation to climate change.
Grady worked on the Kigali Amendment negotiations for the Montreal Protocol during her previous post at the Department of State. She can speak to the impact and symbolism of ratification as well as the “both sides” win this is for the climate and U.S. industry.
"The Kigali Amendment is not just a climate treaty. It's a treaty that is a win for U.S. industry as well,” Grady says. “This effort goes to show that mutually beneficial agreements are possible that not only help the U.S. economy but also strengthen our fight against climate change."
If you would like to speak with Professor Grady, please contact GW Media Relations Specialist Cate Douglass at [email protected].
-GW-