The European Parliament adopted today a Resolution which calls for an integrated policy on non-CO2 emissions. Greenhouse gases (other than carbon dioxide) also play an important role in efforts to address global climate change due to their warming effects and the availability of highly cost-effective emission reduction opportunities. Non-CO2 gases are used for example in refrigerators and air conditioning systems and have a significant impact on climate change. Such anthropogenic (man-made) emissions of non-CO2 greenhouse gases, such as black carbon contribute to warm the planet and need a collective approach from the international community.

The co-author of the Resolution, MEP Theodoros Skylakakis (Democratic Alliance, Greece), appeals for a new regulation to reduce non-CO2 emissions as a part of EU climate policy with emphasis on control of air pollution, both on the national and European level.

"Reducing non-CO2 emissions presents great potential for reducing the cost of fighting climate change, especially in a crucial period of economic crisis. We can achieve a positive and immediate effect on the climate, as these emissions have a high global warming potential if they remain in the atmosphere for decades. Limiting them in a cost-effective way through existing instruments, can only be of benefit to the EU's policy on climate change mitigation and complement industry's efforts to reduce GHGs emissions".

"The global warming potential of non-CO2 gases is higher than that of carbon dioxide. Destroying these gases is very important because they will make up 20% of global gas emissions by 2050. "

The full version of Parliament's resolution can be found at the following link:
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=MOTION&reference=B7-2011-0474&language=EN