An EU scheme to limit the use of dangerous gases runs into problems
Controlling the flow of hydrofluorocarbons turns out to be tricky
FOR A WHILE it looked as if all was going to plan. In a move cheered by climate activists, the European Union began in 2015 to restrict the production and import of gases known as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). HFCs are widely used in refrigeration, air-conditioning and manufacturing, but they are also potent greenhouse gases. The first big shortages hit in early 2018. Prices across Europe multiplied sixfold or even more. The EU wanted to push HFC users to adopt pricey, climate-friendlier alternatives. It thought that the engineered shortage would do the trick.
This article appeared in the Europe section of the print edition under the headline “Free as air”
Europe February 26th 2022
- Turkey’s rapprochement with Russia may not survive the war in Ukraine
- Money matters take centre-stage in France’s election
- The leader of Spain’s main opposition party is ousted
- Did Pope Francis restrict defendants’ rights?
- An EU scheme to limit the use of dangerous gases runs into problems
- Europe is the free-rider continent
From the February 26th 2022 edition
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Ursula von der Leyen has a new doctrine for handling the hard right
The boss of the European Commission embarks on a second term
Marine Le Pen spooks the bond markets
She threatens to bring down the French government, but also faces a possible ban from politics
The maths of Europe’s military black hole
It needs to spend to defend, but voters may balk
Ukraine’s warriors brace for a Kremlin surge in the south
Vladimir Putin’s war machine is pushing harder and crushing Ukrainian morale
Vladimir Putin fires a new missile to amplify his nuclear threats
The attack on Ukraine is part of a new era of missile warfare
A rise in antisemitism puts Europe’s liberal values to the test
The return of Europe’s oldest scourge