Plan F has lessons for Plan D

Last week’s change of mind by the European Commission on the use of fluorinated gases in refrigeration and air conditioning will not only help fight the threat of climate change but might also change the political climate in Europe, too.

Under pressure from MEPs, the Commission reverted to its previous policy of permitting tougher standards for the use of these gases (known in the trade as F-gases) in two member states, Denmark and Austria, than apply in the rest of the EU.

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