"U.S. Senate Could Block Landmark HFC Climate Treaty"

"The jubilation and relief that flowed from United Nations climate talks in Rwanda over the weekend may be short-lived in the U.S., where legal experts say the agreement risks being blocked by Republican senators.

Weary U.N. diplomats finalized a deal Saturday to phase out the use of most HFCs, which are chemicals used in refrigerators and air conditioners and by other industries. The agreement was designed to accelerate a shift to safer substitutes for some of the world’s fastest growing and worst greenhouse gases.

'We’re seeing an unparalleled momentum to tackle climate change,' said Harjeet Singh, a Delhi-based climate change expert with the nonprofit ActionAid. 'The willingness to act has resulted in an enthusiastic plucking of low hanging fruits. But in order to keep people and the planet safe, we need to reach much further.'"

John Upton reports for Climate Central October 17, 2016.