The European Union is preparing to negotiate a law aimed at reducing the use of super-potent greenhouse gases in fridges and air conditioners, but there is a division among countries and lawmakers regarding the speed at which these gases should be phased out, as reported by Reuters on April 5. These gases, known as Fluorinated gases (F-gases), are synthetic gases that have a much higher global warming potential than carbon dioxide, and their emissions can remain in the atmosphere for hundreds to thousands of years. Their impact on the climate is therefore much greater than carbon dioxide emissions. F-gases are also responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer, which protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation. They also contribute to air pollution and have a negative impact on human health.

EU countries have agreed to reduce sales of F-gases to 60% of the average annual levels from 2011-2013 by 2024-2028 and to 15% by 2036. The European Parliament wants to move faster and aim for a full phase-out of F-gases by 2050. Different sectors will have tailored targets, with most required to phase out F-gases by 2025. The EU plans to install millions of heat pumps in the next decade to transition away from fossil fuels. F-gases can be replaced with less potent alternatives such as CO2 or compressed air in heat pumps and switchgear components in power grids.

Sources：

https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/eu-plans-faster-phaseout-super-potent-greenhouse-gases-2023-04-05/

https://www.eea.europa.eu/help/faq/what-are-f-gases-and