Strengthened Ozone Treaty Provides Five Times Kyoto Treaty in

Luego de cinco días intensos de negociaciones, bajo el liderazgo de la Secretaría para la Protección de la Capa de Ozono del Programa de Naciones Unidas para el Medio Ambiente (PNUMA), más de 191 países reunidos en el Palacio de Congresos de Montreal se comprometieron a eliminar la utilización de los HCFCs (Hidroclorofluorocarbonos), poderoso gas de efecto invernadero, 10 años antes de lo previsto.

El acuerdo permitirá que el agujero de la capa de ozono se recupere más rápidamente, asimismo, se reducirá en un 3.5% la producción de este gas a efecto invernadero en el planeta según las evaluaciones del PNUMA. Los países en desarrollo deberán abandonar la utilización del HCFC en el año 2030 en lugar del 2040, fecha fiada luego de la firma del Protocolo en 1987. Por su parte los países industrializados deberán prohibir este producto en el 2020 en lugar de 2030.

Como se sabe el HCFC es un producto utilizado para reemplazar los CFCs usados en la fabricación de refrigeradores, espumas sintéticas y aires acondicionados. Esta sustancia nociva para la salud humana, la capa de ozono y el clima son utilizados en los países en desarrollo debido a su bajo costo. “Sin este nuevo acuerdo, probablemente se habría duplicado la producción mundial del HCFC de aquí al 2015”, declaró el Sr. Achim Steiner, Director Ejecutivo del PNUMA.

Para lograr la eliminación acelerada del HCFC, los países industrializados se comprometieron a desembolsar una importante suma de dinero a los países en desarrollo para facilitar la transición a otras sustancias.

20 años de éxitos del Protocolo de Montreal

El Protocolo de Montreal para la Protección de la Capa de Ozono, es el más exitoso tratado internacional vinculante en materia ambiental. “Los 191 países que ratificaron este tratado han demostrado que se puede cambiar el comportamiento humano a nivel mundial y que al hacerlo han mejorado la condición del medio ambiente”, declaró Ad Merkelt, subsecretario del Programa de Naciones Unidas para el Desarrollo.

Las Naciones Unidas y el Canadá entregaron diversos premios a científicos y organizaciones internacionales por su contribución a la conservación de la capa de ozono. Algunos de los laureados fueron Miguel Quintero, profesor de ingeniería química de la Universidad de los Andes; Marta Pizano, consultora en temas ambientales y Jorge Enrique Sánchez, en representación del Ministerio de Medio Ambiente, Vivienda y Desarrollo Territorial de Colombia.

Por su lado, el Gobierno del Canadá le otorgó un premio al Fondo Multilateral de Montreal por su gran labor en la implementación del Protocolo de Montreal. Como se recordará, el Fondo Multilateral fue creado en 1990, un Fondo multi-millonario destinado a ayudar a los países en desarrollo para lograr la eliminación de la producción y el uso de sustancias químicas que agotan la capa de ozono. Cerca de 49 países industrializados contribuyeron con alrededor de dos mil doscientos millones de dólares hasta la fecha y cerca de 146 países se han beneficiado de la ayuda financiera de este Fondo. Foto: ENB

By: Frida Velarde, Journal L’Alternativa Latina, http://www.lalternativalatina.com/fvelarde.html

Note from the Journalist: …” I am a free-lance journalist. The paper is distributed to main Hispanic centers in Montreal, Sherbrooke, Ottawa and Toronto as well the Hispanic consulates and Embassies. They distribute around 15,000 copies every Tuesday. I am happy to have informed readers about the outcomes of the Montreal Protocol negotiations and this major event which happened in Montreal.”

SOUTH ASIA

HFCs at the 2008 Beijing Olympics

International Institute of Refrigeration https://www.iifiir.org/en/news.php?rub=2&page=1&id=1611

Daikin to make safer coolant for air conditioners in China

Nikkei Weekly, 9 October 2007 http://www.nni.nikkei.co.jp/FR/TNW/

UN for faster phase out of ozone-depleting HCFCs

Indo-Asian News Service, 22 September 2007

Healthier ozone layer after 20 years, but new problems

Indo-Asian News Service, 9 September 2007

PACIFIC ISLANDS COUNTRIES

Cabinet approves ozone survey

The Fiji Times, 11 October 2007, http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=72111%20

NORTH AMERICA

Montreal Protocol Could Be Model for Addressing Climate Change
US Department of State - Washington,DC,USA, 18 October 2007
http://usinfo.state.gov/xarchives/display.html?p=washfile-english&y=2007&m=October&x=20071018145531lcnirellep0.7443964

STEPHEN JOHNSON DELIVERS REMARKS AT THE MAJOR ECONOMIES MEETING ON ENERGY SECURITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE - NEWS EVENT

Political Transcripts by CQ Transcriptions, 27 September 2007, http://public.cq.com/

STEPHEN JOHNSON DELIVERS REMARKS ON SUBSTANCES THAT DEPLETE THE OZONE LAYER - NEWS EVENT

Political Transcripts by CQ Transcriptions, 17 September 2007

BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

… The U.S. believes the Parties have an important opportunity this week to agree on adjustments that will advance ozone recovery several years and also produce climate change benefits that are potentially greater than the reductions experienced under Kyoto (depending on the transition and development of new technologies and substitutes).

In moving faster to heal the ozone layer, we can write the next chapter in the Montreal Protocol's success story by helping prevent skin cancer caused by excess UV radiation exposure. As supporters of this effort, the U.S. encourages all delegates to strive to reach an agreement at this meeting that will accelerate HCFC control measures, demonstrating our continued commitment to finding cost-effective ways to promote a more rapid recovery for the ozone layer…

Canada seeks accelerated HCFC phaseout.

Chemical Week, Elsevier Engineering Information, 26 September 2007http://www.chemweek.com

Montreal meeting calls for faster HCFC phase-out

eSource Canada Business News Network, 26 September 2007, http://www.EcoWeek.ca

Accelerating the Phase-Out of HCFCs

Federal Information & News Dispatch, Inc. State Department Press Releases And Documents, 25 September 2007

Contact: Office of State Department Public Communication Division, 202-647-6575

ACCELERATED PHASE-OUT OF OZONE-DEPLETING HCFCS

States News Service, 22 September 2007

COMBATING CLIMATE CHANGE GIVEN BIG CONFIDENCE BOOST IN CANADA

States News Service, 22 September 2007

ACCELERATED PHASE-OUT OF OZONE-DEPLETING HCFCS - U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

FDCH Regulatory Intelligence Database, 22 September 2007

ACCELERATED PHASE-OUT OF OZONE-DEPLETING HYDROCHLOROFLUORO-CARBONS PLANNED

US Fed News, 22 September 2007

THE Montreal protocol, the ground-breaking deal to save the ozone layer

New Scientist, 22 September 2007, volume 195; issue 2622

How to Gain A Climate Consensus

WASHINGTON POST, Wednesday, September 5, 2007; By George P. Shultz

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wpdyn/content/article/2007/09/04/AR2007090401759.html

WEST ASIA

ehs conducts public awareness campaign on the preservation of the ...
Al-Bawaba, Jordan - Sep 17, 2007 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/6995667.stm

EUROPE

Montreal Protocol signatories agree on speedier removal of ozone-depleting gasses

HINA-CROATIAN NEWS AGENCY, 23 September 2007, http://websrv.hina.hr/nws-bin/ehot.cgi

Croatia attends Montreal Protocol meeting

HINA-CROATIAN NEWS AGENCY, 18 September 2007, http://websrv.hina.hr/nws-bin/ehot.cgi

Deal reached on cutting ozone-damaging emissions

Trend News Agency (Azerbaijan), 22 September 2007

Ozone hole has shrunk by nearly a third Says European Space Agency

Inquirer.net/Agence France-Presse - October 03, 2007
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/world/view_article.php?article_id=92346

A small milestone

The Daily Telegraph, UK, 21 September 2007 By Charles Clover

Statements, Press Releases, Notes
from Governments, NGOs, Industrties, etc…

SUMMARY OF THE NINETEENTH MEETING OF THE PARTIES TO THE MONTREAL ...
Earth Negotiations Bulletin, Canada - Sep 23, 2007 http://www.iisd.ca/vol19/enb1960e.html
Following a one-day seminar commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Montreal Protocol, MOP-19 opened with a high-level segment on Monday, which included ...

Summary of the 19^th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer: 17-21 September 2007

The nineteenth Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (MOP-19) took place in Montreal, Canada, from 17-21 September 2007.

There were over 900 participants, representing governments, UN agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, academia, civil society and industry. Following a one-day seminar commemorating the 20^th anniversary of the Montreal Protocol, MOP-19 opened with high-level segment on Monday, which included an awards ceremony and statements from heads of delegations. A preparatory segment of plenary was convened from Tuesday to Thursday, to address the MOPs substantive agenda items and related draft decisions. The high-level segment also continued on Tuesday and Thursday, and concluded on Friday with the adoption of decisions.

When the meeting concluded late Friday evening, MOP-19 had adopted 29 decisions, including on: an accelerated phase-out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs); essential-use nominations and other issues arising out of the 2006 reports of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel (TEAP); critical-use nominations for methyl bromide; budgets; and monitoring transboundary movements and illegal trade in ozone depleting substances (ODS). A Montreal Declaration was also adopted, which acknowledges the historic global cooperation achieved during the last 20 years under the Montreal Protocol, and reaffirms parties. Commitment to phase out consumption and production of ODS through a range of actions. A spirit of good humor pervaded the final session of the meeting with delegates lauding the cooperation and flexibility of all parties to achieve significant reductions in methyl bromide critical use exemptions and a .historic. Agreement on an accelerated HCFC phase-out.

>>> Download/Read the MOP 19 report http://ozone.unep.org/Meeting_Documents/mop/19mop/MOP_19_ReportE.pdfc

Source: The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) Monday, 24 September 2007, http://www.iisd.ca/download/pdf/enb1960e.pdf

The 191 Parties to the Montreal Protocol reached a historic agreement late Friday night to strengthen the ozone treaty to address reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 25 billion tons of CO2 equivalent—five times more than the Kyoto Protocol will do during its initial reduction period from 2008 to 2012. It also will advance the recovery of the ozone layer by several years.

The decision speeds up by ten years the phase-out of HCFCs, chemicals that destroy the ozone layer and contribute to climate change. As part of the agreement, developed country Parties promised to continue paying into a technology fund to help developing country Parties meet their new phase-out obligations.

Summary of Decision to Accelerate the Phase-out of HCFCs

Developing Country Parties:

Base level 2009-2010 average
Freeze on 1 Jan 2013
10% reduction on 1 Jan 2015
35% on 1 Jan 2020
67,5% on 1 Jan 2025
Continuing use of 2.5% from 2030 to 2040

Developed Country Parties:

75% reduction on 1 Jan 2010
90% on 1 Jan 2015
Continuing use of 0.5% from 2020 to 2030

Full decision at http://ozone.unep.org/Meeting_Documents/mop/19mop/MOP_19_ReportE.pdf
(page 3, para F).

For additional background information, visit: http://www.igsd.org/

www.ozone-climate.org/

---------------------------------------------
Ms. Alex Viets
Institute for Governance & Sustainable Development INECE Secretariat 2300 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 300B Washington, DC 20007 or +1-213-321-0911 (mobile)
aviets@igsd.org

Institute for Governance & Sustainable Development

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Strengthened Ozone Treaty Provides Five Times Kyoto Treaty in Climate Mitigation

Montreal, 23 September 2007. The 191 Parties to the Montreal Protocol reached a historic agreement late Friday night to strengthen the ozone treaty to address reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 25 billion tons of CO2 equivalent—five times more than the Kyoto Protocol will do during its initial reduction period from 2008 to 2012.

"Five times Kyoto's initial climate reductions is an extraordinary accomplishment," said Durwood Zaelke, the President of the Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development, which coordinated a year-long effort to educate the Parties about the climate potential of the Montreal Protocol. He added that "This historic decision marks the first time both developed and developing countries have agreed to mandatory climate reductions. This is a big boost for the post-2012 climate negotiations." Friday night's decision, reached after seven days of negotiations, also will advance the recovery of the ozone layer by several years.

Success was achieved by an unusual coalition of both developing and developed country Parties working together to strengthen the treaty to realize its full potential to reduce climate emissions. Argentina and Brazil led the developing country Parties, and were strongly supported by low-lying island and coastal countries, including Micronesia, Mauritius, and Mauritania, who were concerned by the threat of rising sea-levels that threaten their very existence.

The United States proposed the most aggressive phase-out schedule, supported by the Group of 8 strongest economies in the world, along with Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland. Argentina and Brazil also proposed an aggressive phase-out of HCFCs, and worked effectively to build support from other developed country Parties. India and Mexico also were supporters.

China, which has the largest production and consumption of HCFCs in its air conditioning and refrigeration industry, continued its long history of faithful participation in the Montreal Protocol by joining the consensus, after long and difficult negotiations. "Their gracious statement of support in the final high-level meeting Friday night was the highlight of the meeting," said Zaelke, "demonstrating true leadership and commitment to the spirit of cooperation that is the heart of the Montreal Protocol."

"The decision is an enormous achievement for the environment," said Dan Reifsnyder, lead U.S. negotiator. "When we first proposed an accelerated phase-out for HCFCs, we knew it would be a difficult undertaking but we are thrilled with the momentum it generated so quickly and now with the momentous result—not only for the ozone layer but also for the climate system."

The United States is hosting a meeting of the world's largest climate emitters September 27-28 in Washington, DC. US leadership in Montreal to accelerate the phase-out of HCFCs in a way that supports energy efficiency and climate change objectives should give a boost to these talks.

Argentina's Environmental Minister Romina Picolotti was an early and outspoken champion for strengthening the ozone treaty to do more for climate mitigation. Argentina suffers from environmental and health impacts due to its close proximity to the Antarctic. "Our success is important for the ozone layer, and even more important for the climate, as it shows us what we can do when we have the spirit to cooperate," said Ms. Picolotti. She also praised the efforts of Maas Goote from The Netherlands, who chaired the small HCFC negotiating group, noting that “Maas’s tough professionalism and his good humor played a key role in securing agreement.” Zaelke agreed, stating that “Chairing this negotiation took a tremendous amount of skill and persistence, and Maas had it all.”

"This was the right idea at the right time with the right team," said Dr. Husamuddin Ahmadzai, Senior Advisor for Enforcement and Implementation, Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. "The Montreal Protocol's role in reducing climate emissions should be heralded throughout the world," he added.

Without the Montreal Protocol, and earlier efforts to reduce CFCs starting in 1974 when Drs. Rowland & Molina first warned of their danger, radiative forcing from ozone depleting substances would almost have matched emissions from CO2 by 2010. "This early action on ozone has delayed climate change up to a Planet-saving 35-41 years," said Scott Stone, Research Fellow at the Institute for Governance & Sustainable Development. He referred to the seminal science paper calculating the climate benefits of the Montreal Protocol by Guus Velders of the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, and colleagues at NASA, DuPont, and the US EPA. Stone also complimented Maas Goote as chair, stating that “Maas reminded the Parties of the spirit of Montreal, and like a great coach, got everyone to play their ‘A’ game for the Planet.”

Micronesia, Mauritius, and Mauritania, who all made proposals to speed the HCFC phase-out, reminded the Parties throughout the negotiations that the 25 billion tons of CO2 equivalent on the negotiating table would help keep the Planet from reaching the "tipping point" for abrupt and irreversible climate change, including catastrophic sea-level rise.

"For small-island states, reaching consensus on this decision was a matter of survival," said Kandhi Elieisar, Assistant Secretary for Asia-Pacific Multilateral Affairs of Micronesia.

Mr. Sateeaved Seebaluck, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Environment for Mauritius stated that "We proved to the world that multilateralism can produce good results when the spirit of trust and cooperation prevails. The success of these negotiations will remain a landmark in the history of mankind and it is the best gift we could give ourselves on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Protocol."

Seebaluck added, "It is yet another long stride in protection of life. My only hope is that other multilateral environmental agreements take this example and emulate the Montreal Protocol. And when we look forward that we can carry the same spirit to the negotiations for the new climate treaty that will follow the Kyoto Protocol."

Zaelke said, "Our success this week should give us the courage we need to move forward with a strong post-Kyoto climate agreement, starting in December in Bali," when negotiators meet to discuss the climate treaty that will succeed the Kyoto agreement. He continued, "It also gives us some key lessons to consider as we design the post-Kyoto climate regime, including that a Montreal-type regulatory approach can work effectively and efficiently to deliver real climate reductions."

Summary of Decision to Accelerate the Phase-out of HCFCs

Developing Country Parties:

Base level 2009-2010 average
Freeze on 1 Jan 2013
10% reduction on 1 Jan 2015
35% on 1 Jan 2020
67,5% on 1 Jan 2025
Continuing use of 2.5% from 2030 to 2040

Developed Country Parties:

75% reduction on 1 Jan 2010
90% on 1 Jan 2015
Continuing use of 0.5% from 2020 to 2030

Full decision at http://ozone.unep.org/Meeting_Documents/mop/19mop/MOP_19_ReportE.pdf

(page 3, para F).

For further information, contact:

Durwood Zaelke, President, or Scott Stone, Research Fellow

Institute for Governance & Sustainable Development (IGSD)

zaelke@igsd.org (202) 498-2457

sstone@igsd.org (312) 961-3819

Daniel Taillant (contact for Romina Picolotti)
jdtaillant@cedha.org.ar + 54 9 116 729 5466 (cell)

Ana Maria Kleymeyer
Advisor to Minister of Environment for Argentina, Romina Picolotti
akleymeyer@ambiente.gov.ar + 54 911 49 74 05 78 (cell)

Alexandra Viets, Communications Officer, IGSD

aviets@igsd.org (213) 321-0911

For additional background information, visit: http://www.igsd.org/

Alliance Commends UNEP Montreal Protocol Agreement

22 September 2007

PR Newswire (U.S.)

MONTREAL, Sept. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy (Alliance), an industry coalition, commended the agreement reached today by the parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. "The agreement maintains the high standards set for this important environmental treaty," said John Mandyck, Alliance Chairman and Vice President for Government and International Relations for Carrier Corporation. "Today's agreement matches its past success at establishing tough environmental protection goals while balancing the economic means of achieving these goals," he said.

The Montreal Protocol celebrated its 20th anniversary this week at the 19th Meeting of the Parties, held in Montreal, Canada. The agreement announced today was to reduce remaining consumption of hydrochlorofluorocarbon compounds (HCFCs), important transition substances, by more than 20% in developed countries between the years 2010 and 2030. Furthermore, the parties for the first time agreed to a consumption baseline and phasedown schedule for HCFC consumption for developing countries that will reduce consumption of these compounds by approximately 50% over the years 2010 through 2040. The significant reduction agreement was achieved through the leadership of the United States and many other countries.

"The HCFC reductions will hasten the recovery of the earth's ozone layer and allow for the more rapid introduction of important technologies relying on non-ozone-depleting substances," said Mandyck. "The benefits are important from the perspective of protecting both the ozone layer as well as the climate." According to analysis by the Alliance, the greenhouse gas reductions could be equivalent to approximately 20% of the benefits projected to be achieved by the Kyoto Protocol, the world's first international treaty to reduce greenhouse gas emissions between 2008 and 2012.

The Montreal Protocol has been hailed as one of the most successful multilateral environmental agreements ever negotiated. First signed in 1987, the treaty has resulted in the rapid reduction of ozone-depleting substances relying on an integrated system of scientific, technical and economic assessment processes and implementation by developed and developing countries, with the help of important multilateral funding assistance for the developing countries. The treaty has shaved decades off the projected recovery date of the earth's ozone layer by reducing the concentration of ozone-depleting compounds in the atmosphere, thereby reducing exposure risks from the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation. The treaty had already been projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions more than five times the impact of the Kyoto accord.

Mandyck also thanked the Government of Canada for its important contributions to maintaining momentum on this unprecedented environmental agreement and for hosting the 20th anniversary meeting. "Montreal and the Canadian contribution to the protection of the ozone layer has been steadfast and significant," he said.

The Alliance is a coalition of producers and users of fluorocarbon based technologies, including air-conditioning, refrigeration, foam insulation, solvents and aerosols. The Alliance has been recognized by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the United Nations Environment Programme for its global leadership in the ozone protection effort.

For Information Contact:

Kevin Fay (703) 801-3233, or

John Mandyck (860) 674-3006

SOURCE The Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy

Kevin Fay, +1-703-801-3233, or John Mandyck, +1-860-674-3006, both for The Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy

International Agreement Likely to Phase-Out Ozone-Depleting Substances

http://www.ercweb.com/resources/tips.aspx

AN EARLY FREEZE TO STOP THE WARMING- THE URGENCY OF AN ACCELERATED PHASE-OUT FOR HCFCS

The Montreal Protocol faces a unique opportunity on its 20th anniversary to build on its unparalleled record of success. By accelerating the phase out of HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons)

http://www.eia-international.org/

Stratospheric Ozone Protection Awards

In 1990, EPA established the Stratospheric Ozone Protection Awards to recognize exceptional leadership, personal dedication, and technical achievements in protecting the Earth’s stratospheric ozone layer. In the first eighteen years, The Stratospheric Ozone Protection Award has been presented to 509 individuals, organizations and teams from 42 countries. In 2007, 14 individuals, organizations, associations and teams earned the award through originality and public purpose, moral and persuasive leadership, and elimination of emissions of ozone-depleting substances.

List of all Stratospheric Ozone Protection Award winners
Best-of-the-Best Awards

Statement by the White House Press Secretary

WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Under President Bush's continued leadership in ozone layer protection, the Montreal Protocol Parties have agreed to the United States' proposal to accelerate by ten years the remaining phase out of certain ozone depleting substances. This action will not only speed up recovery of the ozone layer, but also represents one of the most significant new global actions to confront climate change by reducing the greenhouse gas profile of the phased-out substances.

Under this historic agreement, developed countries will phase out the production of Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) by 2020, and developing nations will phase out the production of HCFCs by 2030. This will reduce the potential emissions of remaining harmful ozone chemicals by about half.

While the Montreal Protocol has already made great strides to heal the ozone, our investments in advanced technology have paid off and a quicker phase out is possible.

Faster healing of the ozone layer will help prevent human health damages cause by excess UV radiation, including skin cancer.

And, this agreement will have substantial climate change benefits because it will reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with the phased out substances and spur development of new alternatives to these ozone depleting substances that have low or no greenhouse gas emissions. The accelerated phaseout's potential benefits could equal or exceed what the current Kyoto Protocol commitment might achieve.

Since the Montreal Protocol was signed in 1987, the US has achieved a 90% reduction in the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances. Worldwide, the Montreal Protocol has cut in half the amount of global warming caused by ozone-destroying chemicals that would have occurred by 2010.

SOURCE White House Press Office

CONTACT: White House Press Office, +1-202-456-2580

EFCTC Press Release
Brussels, 14 September, 2007: The European Fluorocarbon Technical Committee (EFCTC) celebrates the 20th Anniversary of the Montreal Protocol.

EFCTC the European Fluorocarbons Association celebrates the 20th Anniversary of the Montreal Protocol, which was signed on September 16, 1987. It would like to congratulate the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Multi-lateral Fund and its Secretariat, the Implementing Agencies, the Parties to the Protocol and all the stakeholders who have been instrumental in making the Montreal Protocol one of the most successful global environmental agreements.

EFCTC welcomes the initiative of the coming Meeting of the Parties to discuss an accelerated HCFC phase-down for developing countries – fostering thereby the further reduction of ODS (Ozone Depleting Substances) emissions.

Commenting on the significance of this occasion, Nick Campbell, EFCTC Chairman, takes the opportunity to recall that "by introducing HFCs as one of the main CFCs substitutes, we have simultaneously benefited both the Ozone Layer and the Climate".

Indeed, on one hand CFCs replacements like HCFCs and HFCs allowed a swift improvement in reducing the ozone impact of Fluorocarbons (see Figure 1), used mainly for refrigeration and air-conditioning, building insulating foams, medical aerosols, etc.

CEFIC Avenue E. van Nieuwenhuyse 4 B - 1160 Brussels Belgium Tel: +32 2 676 72 11 Fax: +32 2 676 73 01 mail@cefic.be www.cefic.org Page 1 of 3

On the other hand, it is today acknowledged that replacing high quantities of high GWP (Global Warming Potential) CFCs by lower quantities of lower GWP HFCs, contributed dramatically to reduce their Climate Impact - about 3-4 times the objectives of the Kyoto Protocol.

"The conclusion of the IPCC/TEAP Special Report, Safeguarding the Ozone Layer and the Global Climate System, puts this achievement into perspective," says Campbell, “HFC radiative forcing (cumulative contribution to global warming) will remain below 1% of the estimated radiative forcing of all greenhouse gases in 2015, while, in terms of yearly emissions, they will account for 2% of greenhouse gas emissions” (see Figure 2).

Ends.

For further information contact:

Nick Campbell, Chairman EFCTC nick.campbell@arkemagroup.com

Véronique Garny, CEFIC

Tel. 0032 2 676 7232 vga@cefic.be

CEFIC Avenue E. van Nieuwenhuyse 4 B - 1160 Brussels Belgium Tel: +32 2 676 72 11 Fax: +32 2 676 73 01 mail@cefic.be http://www.cefic.org/

UN / UNEP

Secretary-General Welcomes Historic Agreement to Phaseout Hydrochlorofluorocarbons,
Chemical Compound Damaging to Ozone Layer, Contributor to Climate Change
The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General welcomes the agreement reached over the weekend by the signatories of the Montreal Protocol to sign up to an accelerated freeze and phase-out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), the chemical compound which damages the ozone layer and also contributes to climate change.
The Secretary-General is especially pleased that this historic agreement was reached on the eve of the high-level event on climate change convened by him on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly. He notes that international efforts to protect the ozone layer and to combat climate change are mutually supportive. He also notes that the agreement reached in Montreal includes a commitment to make sufficient funding available to implement the strategy of phasing out HCFCs. The Secretary-General hopes Member States will demonstrate the same urgency and boldness as they turn to the sources of greenhouse gases.

Source: UN Department of Public Information, News and Media Division, New York, 24 September 2007 http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2007/sgsm11177.doc.htm

Combating Climate Change Given Big Confidence Boost in Canada
Governments Agree to Accelerated 'Freeze and Phase-out" of Ozone and Climate-Damaging Chemicals at Montreal Protocol's 20th Anniversary Celebrations

Montreal/Nairobi, 22 September 2007 - An historic agreement to tackle the twin challenges of protecting the ozone layer and combating climate change has been agreed by governments.
Nations signed up to an accelerated freeze and phase out of substances known as hydrochlorflurocarbons (HCFCs) under the 20 year-old Montreal Protocol- the UNEP treaty established in 1987 to protect the Earth's ozone layer from chemical attack.
The decision, including an agreement that sufficient funding will be made available to achieve the strategy, follows mounting evidence that HCFCs contribute to global warming.
HCFCs emerged as replacement chemicals in the 1990s for in air conditioning, some forms of refrigeration equipment and foams following an earlier decision to phase-out older and more ozone-damaging chemicals known as CFCs or chloroflurocarbons.
Governments meeting in the Canadian city agreed at the close to freeze production of HCFCs in 2013 and bring forward the final phase-out date of these chemicals by ten years.
The acceleration may also assist in restoring the health of the ozone layer the high flying gas that filters out damaging levels of ultra violet light by a few years too.
Achim Steiner, UN Under-Secretary General and UNEP Executive Director, praised the decision taken at the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Montreal Protocol calling it an 'important and quick win' for combating climate change.
"Historic is an often over-used word but not in the case of this agreement made in Montreal. Governments had a golden opportunity to deal with the twin challenges of climate change and protecting the ozone layer and governments took it. The precise and final savings in terms of greenhouse gas emissions could amount to several billions of tonnes illustrating the complementarities of international environmental agreements," he said.
Mr Steiner also congratulated the government of Canada and John Baird, the Canadian Environment Minister, for hosting a successful meeting.
He said the spotlight now moves to New York where, on 24 September, the UN Secretary- General Ban Ki Moon is hosting a Heads of State meeting on climate change.
The meeting will help to build confidence in the run up to the UN climate convention negotiations scheduled in Bali, Indonesia, in December. Here nations need to get down in earnest to negotiate an international greenhouse gas emissions reductions agreement to kick in post-2012.
Mr Steiner said:" I believe the agreement and the spirit of Montreal can build confidence in the United Nations as a platform for negotiating effective agreements for addressing the environmental challenges of our time".
"Montreal underlines that when nations are united they can achieve a great deal and on multiple fronts. It also underlines how international treaties in this case the UN's Montreal Protocol and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change can deliver far more when we build on the scientific consensus and mobilize the technological and economic means to act," he added.
John Baird, Canada's Environment Minister, added: "The Montreal Protocol, already considered the most successful environmental agreement to date, delivers once again, to protect the ozone layer as well as the most pressing issue of our time climate change. Today's announcement demonstrates the kind of concrete action citizens around the world are demanding".
The Agreement on HCFCS
HCFCs, which also damage the ozone layer but less than CFCs, were always planned as interim substitutes and were due to be phased out in 2030 by developed countries and in 2040 by developing ones.
However in recent years and months mounting evidence has emerged on the growth in HCFCs and the potentially significant benefits arising in terms of combating climate change and ozone loss if an accelerated freeze and accelerated phase-out could be achieved.
Experts estimate that without this week's agreement, production and consumption of HCFCs may have doubled by 2015 adding to the dual challenges of ozone depletion and climate change.
Here in Montreal six proposals were put before governments from both developed and developing countries. They represented a variety of options including the freeze dates; reduction steps towards a final and accelerated phase out.
Industry experts had indicated that, should an agreement be taken this week in Montreal, this would send a strong signal resulting in the rapid development of replacement chemicals and technologies.
The final agreement is a combination of the various options proposed by Argentina and Brazil; Norway, Iceland and Switzerland; the United States; Mauritania, Mauritius and the Federated States of Micronesia. Under the agreement, productions of HCFCs are to be frozen at the average production levels in 2009-2010 in 2013.
Developed countries have agreed to reduce production and consumption by 2010 by 75 per cent and by 90 per cent by 2015 with final phase out in 2020.
Developing countries have agreed to cut production and consumption by 10 per cent in 2015; by 35 per cent by 2020 and by 67.5 per cent by 2025 with a final phase-out in 2030.
It was also agreed that a small percentage of the original base line amounting to 2.5 per cent will be allowed in developing countries during the period 2030-2040 for 'servicing' purposes.
Essentially this means that some equipment, coming towards the end of its life such as office block air conditioning units, could continue to run on HCFCs for a few more years if needed.
The 191 Parties to the Montreal Protocol 190 countries plus the European Commission also made an agreement on financing.
The Protocol's financial arm the Multilateral Fund which to date has spent over $2 billion to assist developing country reductions comes up for replenishment next year. The new agreement takes into account the need for 'stable and sufficient' funds and the fact that there may be 'incremental costs' for developing countries under the accelerated HCFC freeze and phase out.
Governments agreed here to commission a short study by experts to fully assess the likely costs of the acceleration. They will report back early in 2008 and inform parties on the suggested sums required for the new replenishment.
Marco Gonzalez, Executive Secretary of UNEP's Ozone Secretariat, said: "The progress achieved over 20 years and continued this week demonstrates to the world that developed and developing countries can work together to meet global challenges. Here this week numerous nations including China, India, the United States and the European Union, demonstrated the art of the possible and solidarity in advancing the international environmental agenda on both ozone and now increasingly on climate change".
Other Important Decisions Taken at the 19th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol
Methyl bromide, a pesticide and ozone depleting substance, was meant to be fully phased-out by developed countries in 2005.
But 'critical use exemptions' have been granted because some farmers producing products such as strawberries and cucumbers to tomatoes and eggplants argue that alternatives are either not ready or cost effective for all circumstances.
In 2005, over 16,000 tonnes of methyl bromide were approved under the Montreal Protocol and in 2007 over 9,100 tonnes were permitted.
Here in Montreal, governments approved just over 4,600 tonnes continuing the downward trend in critical use exemptions for developed countries.
Related web site: 20th Anniversary Montreal Protocol http://www.unep.org/themes/climatechange/ozone/
Contact: Nick Nuttall, UNEP Spokesperson. nick.nuttall@unep.org
Environment Canada Media Relations Tel: (819) 934-8008 or 1-888-908-8008

Source: UNEP http://unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/Default.Print.asp?DocumentID=517&ArticleID=5671&l=en%20

The Montreal Protocol and the Kyoto Protocol Mutually Supportive Say top UN Officials

(Montreal, 17 September 2007) – International efforts to safeguard Earth’s climate and protect the ozone layer are mutually supportive, say the United Nation’s top climate change and environment officials. Negotiations on the future direction of the Montreal Protocol in protecting the ozone layer, which start in Montreal today, and the UN Climate Change Conference set for Bali in December will shape further climate action beyond 2012, when the first phase of the Kyoto Protocol ends.

“The Montreal Protocol is successfully assisting in the repair and recovery of the ozone layer. The Kyoto Protocol is tackling perhaps the greatest challenge of our generation – climate change. However, what is also emerging in 2007, and emerging with ever greater clarity, is that both treaties are mutually supportive across several key fronts,” said Achim Steiner, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme.

The Kyoto Protocol’s clean development mechanism (CDM) has led to the destruction of large volumes of the very potent greenhouse gas HFC-23, a by-product of the production of the coolant HCFC-22, and is currently the only reliable mechanism available to prevent emissions of this gas in the short term, according to a new report by the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel (TEAP) of the Montreal Protocol to be released in Montreal this week.

“The Kyoto Protocol's CDM is assisting to destroy HFCs. Meanwhile, governments here in Montreal look set to back an accelerated freeze and phase-out of HCFCs, with important benefits for the ozone layer and also for climate change,” Mr. Steiner added.

“This kind of cooperation underlines the importance of the UN and its related environmental agreements, demonstrating in clear and concrete terms how, by combining their strengths, they can more efficiently and cost effectively realize the sustainability goals of our time,” said Mr. Steiner .

Parties to the Kyoto Protocol decided in Montreal in 2005 that the CDM should not lead to an increase in HCFC-22, a gas regulated by the Montreal Protocol.

“The Parties to the Kyoto Protocol have been guided by the dual objective of safeguarding the climate and protecting the ozone layer when shaping climate action. This dual objective has also guided the regulation applied to the generation of CDM carbon market credits from the destruction of HFC-23 in older refrigerant factories. New plants and expanded production do not qualify under the CDM,” said Yvo de Boer, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Parties to the Kyoto Protocol will consider in Bali in December if and then how the CDM could also provide incentives for the destruction of HFC-23 in new plants, without stimulating production of the refrigerant HCFC-22, and will take the findings of the TEAP report into account.

“The worst of all cases would be for HFC-23 emissions to go unmitigated,” according to the TEAP report.

“Steps to accelerate the phase-out of HCFCs under the Montreal Protocol would make a significant contribution to the global effort to address climate change. The potential in this area is very encouraging and, when combined with significant opportunities to reduce emissions from other sectors, such as energy, buildings and deforestation, demonstrates that solutions to the climate threat are available. The Bali conference needs to put in motion a global campaign to capture all of these opportunities and the Montreal Protocol can continue to make a contribution, building on its past successes,” said Mr. de Boer.

Contact: Nick Nuttall, Spokesperson UNEP, nick.nuttall@unep.org - David Abbass, Public Information Officer, clean development mechanism, UNFCCC, dabbass@unfccc.int

Source: The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

http://unfccc.int/files/press/news_room/press_releases_and_advisories/application/pdf/070917_hcfc_pressrel.pdf

UNDP

20th Anniversary of the Montreal Protocol
Statement by Ad Melkert, UN Under-Secretary-General and Associate Administrator, United Nations Development Programme At 19th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on the 20th Anniversary of the Montreal Protocol.

Monday 17 September 2007

Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is an honour to address the 19th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol as the global community celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Protocol, a groundbreaking international agreement that ushered in a new era of environmental responsibility. By any measure, the Protocol has been a resounding success. Its 191 signatories have together phased out more than 95% of ozone-depleting substances, and we expect the Earth’s protective ozone layer to return to its pre-1980 levels in the second half of this century which still shows how frighteningly long it takes before the impact of decisive action shows.

I take pride in having played a very small part in that success: As a member of the Dutch Parliament, I helped ratify the Protocol. Many of us, back in 1987, asked would it be possible to persuade people to forsake useful household and personal goods—to change their everyday habits--in the interest of preserving an invisible chemical layer miles above the highest clouds in the sky? Could governments, communities and industries adapt in the name of the environment? Given the celebratory nature of the gathering here today, it is obvious that the answer was a resounding ‘yes’.

UNDP is proud to be associated with this success. Our organisation is committed to advancing the goals of the major environmental conventions, including the Montreal Protocol, and supporting countries to reconcile global challenges with national priorities, translating multilateral agreements into action and ultimately, meaningful change in the lives of people. This is in particular challenging for developing countries that are still faced with enormous and justified demands to provide access to work, income, water and energy to the one third of the world population for whom daily existence needs are of more direct concern than the long term condition of the planet. Yet the two are inseparable. This is recognized in UNDP’s focus in the support to capacity development, specifically to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.

One of the most notable aspects of Montreal’s success is its engagement of both the developed and developing worlds in reducing ozone-depleting substances. UNDP, with the financial help of the Multilateral Fund, has put into operation a global programme in over 100 countries that has contributed to the phase-out of over 63,000 tonnes of ozone-depleting substances. In assisting countries to address their obligations under the Montreal Protocol, UNDP has adopted an inclusive approach, working both with large, as well as small-scale, consumers of ozone-depleting substances. With respect to the latter, UNDP is especially proud of the results that the services it has provided have yielded with respect to encouraging sustainable human development. We have reached out to small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs), small-scale technicians and agricultural producers, working with them to design programmes that could best tackle their specific concerns and circumstances. UNDP has spear-headed projects that promote better economies of scale, greater cost-effectiveness, incentive-based initiatives, and socio-economic progress. Building synergies in support of sustainable development has been key to the effort.

From a forward-looking perspective, given the issues before this body, it is clear that the Protocol is poised to address changing needs while also seeking to ensure sustainability of past efforts.

There are key challenges being faced by the Parties as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Protocol which signal an opportunity to strengthen environmental protection for sustainable development and enhance partnership potential. In this context, it is critical that Parties address measures to accelerate the recovery of the ozone layer, recognizing that accelerated commitment to non-ODP energy efficient alternatives can serve to diminish our environmental footprint. The UN system stands ready to provide services and support to make this happen.

Twenty years after the signing of the Protocol, at the mid-point of the drive to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, the outcomes of Montreal demonstrate how multilateral cooperation can improve the environment and the lives of people who depend on it. As the international community gears up to determine our post-Kyoto course we need the same cooperative spirit, ambitious intent, and inclusive approach of the Montreal Protocol. Most of all the international community needs to recognize that the poor are the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, and that we do not need to compromise economic growth or development goals to reduce emissions. With this recognition, and a commitment to change, we might be able to repeat the success of Montreal.

UNDP looks forward to responding to the changing needs of this successful Protocol and continuing to serve the interests of its Parties.

http://content.undp.org/go/newsroom/2007/september/20th-montreal-protocol-20070924.en;jsessionid=axbWzt8vXD9