Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Education have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to replace the air-conditioning systems in schools with eco-friendly air-conditioning systems.
The MoU was signed on March 18 by Minister of Environment Dr. Hussain Rasheed Hassan and Minister of Education Dr. Aishath Ali. Under the MoU, schools across 16 atolls of the Maldives will replace HCFC and HFC containing air-conditioning equipment with an alternative refrigerant which has a lower global warming potential. The MoU was signed under the Support to Kigali Amendment Project, which aims to gradually reduce the consumption and production of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Environment Minister Dr. Hussain Rasheed Hassan stated the MoU is a major step towards achieving the goals set by the Maldives to reduce the production of ozone-depleting gases. He noted the effects of climate change can no longer be ignored, adding quick and effective measures are needed to combat the effects of climate change.