Story by: Mabel Adorkor Annang
The Accra-Helsinki Group for Sustainable Cooling has called on the European Union (EU) to take decisive leadership by establishing strong regulatory measures to phase down emissions of sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆), one of the most potent and long-lasting greenhouse gases in the world.
The call was made during a side event held on the margins of the 37th Meeting of the Parties (MOP37) to the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and its Montreal Protocol in Nairobi, Kenya.
Co-chaired by former Director of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency at Ghana’s Energy Commission, Kofi A. Agvarko, and Finnish expert Tapio Reinikainen, the session drew over 40 participants despite multiple overlapping meetings, showcasing growing global concern over SF₆ emissions and confidence in the Accra-Helsinki Group’s agenda.
SF₆, widely used in electrical infrastructure and industrial applications, is considered one of the most dangerous greenhouse gases, with a warming potential thousands of times greater than carbon dioxide and an atmospheric lifetime that can span thousands of years.
Discussions at the event focused on practical strategies to curb emissions and accelerate sustainable cooling solutions. Experts from academia, government, and research institutions shared new insights and proposed robust actions to mitigate SF₆ emissions.
Speakers emphasized the critical role of the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol, describing them as the world’s most successful environmental frameworks. The Montreal Protocol, strengthened by the Kigali Amendment, was highlighted as a proven model that has consistently used a “start and strengthen” approach to address global atmospheric threats.
“Continuing emissions of this climate pollutant will increase harm to future generations,” participants cautioned, urging rapid and coordinated global action.
Agvarko expressed appreciation to the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), the Institute for Governance & Sustainable Development (IGSD), and the wider Montreal Protocol community for their continued partnership and support in advancing the sustainable cooling agenda.
