ICARMA Policy Statement on Climate Change On December 12th 1997, the delegates to the Third Conference of the Parties held in Kyoto, Japan agreed to a Protocol which if ratified, will bind those Parties to actions intended to reduce the threat of global warming. Members of the International Council of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Manufacturers' Associations (ICARMA) includes trade associations in Canada, China, Europe, Japan and the United States. Manufacturers in these nations produce more than 90% of the world's refrigeration and air conditioning equipment in what is a $ 60 billion global industry. This Protocol is of vital interest to this industry. It is important to recognize that ICARMA's membership includes both Annex A and Annex C Parties. Annex A countries have separate and distinct obligations under the Protocol than those of Annex C. Yet, there remain common principles that bind this international community of trade associations as the details of the Kyoto Protocol are developed. They are: Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants are key to the future of this industry's ability to manufacture and supply safe equipment. These refrigerants are safe, effective compounds, which if used in well-engineered and efficient systems with strict adherence to emission reductions during installation and servicing, have minimal effect upon global warming. This is especially true when measured as a function of the Total Equivalent Warming Impact (TEWI). TEWI is the sum of two components: 1) The amount of refrigerants released into the atmosphere, and 2) The amount of CO2 released during the generation of energy used to drive air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment. HFCs are but one of six gases to be considered under the Kyoto Protocol. Government regulations should not unduly penalize the production or consumption of these refrigerants for use in well-engineered and efficient systems. Scientific evidence suggests that HFCs are less than two percent of the greenhouse gases present in the atmosphere. Government regulations that implement the provisions of the Kyoto Protocol must consider the time required by this industry to adapt and adjust business plans and to work with our industry to develop effective regulations according to each nation's individual circumstances. Global warming is an international problem and requires each Party to take appropriate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The air-conditioning and refrigeration industries in the countries represented in ICARMA continue to make dramatic reductions in refrigerant emissions through the use of technological advances, enlightened regulation and voluntary action. ICARMA's newest member, China, has reduced CFC emissions by 20%. This will have significant beneficial effect upon the atmosphere by reducing global warming while also protecting the ozone layer. ICARMA's other members are working with their respective governments to develop programs that follow the principles outlined above. Responsible stewardship of the environment using the latest in technology to produce the most efficient equipment is ICARMA's answer to global warming.