[gravata]New refrigeration challenges in a changing world. [/gravata]

Businesses, government and citizens must act to prevent the impacts of global warming. It’s become increasingly important to talk about energy efficiency in the refrigeration market. The equipment is changing to meet the new requirements. Maintenance also has become important because we need to avoid excessive consumption of new goods and improve equipment performance. On this theme, the Refrigeration Club interviewed one of the leading Brazilian experts in environment and sustainability, Fábio Feldmann, also a lawyer, consultant and former Congressman.

WHAT IMPACTS ARE THE PROCESS OF GLOBAL WARMING AND CLIMATE CHANGE BRINGING?
This process may result in raising average global temperatures between 2°C to 6°C by the end of the century. This number will depend largely on the level of emissions of greenhouse gases. It’s necessary to ensure that these emissions diminish, so we don’t reach the worst-case scenario, which is a 6°C increase.
The impacts have already begun and will intensify in all areas. Cities, for example, increasingly suffer from the extreme weather and its consequences. The very intense and fast storms that are already taking place are an example of this. There are also serious threats related to food production, the increase in sea levels, the spread of diseases and many other aspects.

AND WHAT’S THE ROLE OF BUSINESS?
Businesses have a key role in combating climate change. They should seek to reduce their carbon footprint, that is, their emissions of greenhouse gases. This involves all aspects of their operations: choice of raw materials, energy use, production process, transport and even the durability of the product and the way it’s disposed of after consumption. For example, when designing refrigeration equipment, all the effects that it will have must be taken into account, throughout its life and when it’s discarded.

AND CITIZENS, WHAT CAN THEY DO? 
In general, society can pressure the government to act in the right direction. The voter has the power of his vote to change the way things are done. At the same time, the voter is also a consumer: his attitudes will influence the behavior of companies. For these behaviors to spread, it’s necessary to invest in the educational aspect by raising awareness. The personal habits of each are also important. Avoiding waste, not using the car when possible, reusing materials are some steps that everyone can take.

WITH THE PROCESS, WHAT OPPORTUNITIES OPEN UP? 
There is a new economy that arises from this situation. Many companies and professionals have realized this. In refrigeration, the energy efficiency issue will become even more essential. Equipment is changing to meet the new requirements. This also includes the possibilities of recycling and reusing materials and components. Maintenance becomes important because it’s necessary to avoid excessive consumption of new goods and improve equipment performance.