Background and Objective
With developing countries’ growing demand for refrigeration and air conditioning, inventories of appliances, foams and products containing halogenated hydrocarbons (HHCs)[1] also increase apace. This results in a rise in the number of older refrigeration appliances which are not disposed of in an environmentally sound way. Unless these appliances are properly stored and disposed of, the climate and ozone-damaging substances they contain leak into the atmosphere unabated. The estimated annual carbon emissions that result amount to some 1.5 Gt CO2e[2]. This is equivalent to the annual carbon emissions from 441 coal-fired power plants. Consequently, correct disposal of old refrigerators and air conditioning units harbours vast emission reduction potential.
GIZ’s COPA project aims to position this topic in the international arena as a cost-efficient and effective measure – both for use in achieving nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and in developing concrete emission reduction activities. By joining forces with additional implementing partners as well as financial donors, the Alliance aims to contribute towards substantial emission reductions in the longer term.
Implementation
In a first step, COPA relies on cooperation with metropolitan regions in its partner countries China, Ghana and Colombia. Further partner countries are to be added over time. The metropolitan regions and partner countries earmarked to receive advice under the auspices of the Alliance are analysed and characterised as part of an ongoing process.
Project activities include expanding the Alliance by means of network creation and political positioning on the one hand, and on the other by performing market studies (ODS /HHC Bank Inventories) and developing models for pilot-based implementation of emission reduction activities in selected metropolitan regions in the partner countries.
Milestones and Outlook
In a first step, focus is placed on expanding the Alliance and developing emission reduction activities in the three partner countries: China, Ghana and Colombia. In the long term, the Alliance will contribute to substantial reduction of emissions from legacy HHCs by providing technical advice to improve prevailing conditions, foster capacity building and promote technology cooperation and transfer. It will also provide financial support for the development of appropriate recycling and destruction infrastructure.