The United Nations awarded Colombia a $5.6 million grant to eliminate 596 tons of Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), a potent greenhouse gas used primarily in the production of refrigerators.
Environment Minister Beatriz Uribe Botero said “These measures reaffirm that we are on the right track in reducing the use of substances which deplete the ozone and contribute to climate change, but we still must double our efforts and work with the private sector to ensure that Colombia complies with the commitments to the international community.”
The money, managed by the Environment Ministry, will allow the country to embark on ia plan to move towards eliminating the use of in the manufacturing of foam polyurethane, which is used in thermal insulation, car parts, furniture, shoe soles, and heaters.
Although Colombia is only responsible for 0.8% of the world consumption of HCFCs, it is the fifth highest consumer in Latin America, and is a high consumption country by the standards of the Montreal Protocol. The goal is for Colombia to reduce the use of HCFCs by 50% by 2015.