Trends Analysis:
Consumption and Production of Ozone Depleting Substances in Developing Countries

By 1 January 2010, the phase out target of the consumption and production of CFCs and halons was achieved under the Montreal Protocol on Substance that Deplete the Ozone Layer thanks to the commitment and action of governments, industry and civil society in both developed and developing countries. However, with this milestone achievement, Article 5 countries (i.e. developing countries) must remain vigilant and avoid a situation of non-compliance with the 2010 control measures by ensuring that the phase out already achieved is sustained permanently after 2010. To do this, they require an efficient means for monitoring their compliance situation.

Additionally, at the 20th Anniversary of the Montreal Protocol in September 2007, the Parties reached an historic agreement to accelerate the phase out schedule for one of the most important remaining ozone depleting substances (ODS): hydrofluorocarbons (HCFCs). Countries operating under Article 5 of the Montreal Protocol (developing countries) are must freeze their HCFC production and consumption by 2013 and then phase it out in a step-wise fashion until the complete phase out in 2030. This too requires close watching, as does the progress made by Article 5 countries in meeting the complete phase-out of methyl bromide by 2015.
This Trends Analysis provides a quick, visual tool to help decision makers in developing countries monitor where they stand in relation to these different targets.

By means of the consumption and production data officially reported by their governments under Article 7 of the Montreal Protocol, countries must demonstrate that they fully meet the specific legal obligations (control measures) of the Protocol as per the agreed timetables.

During the Protocol's compliance phase, the phase-out process is country-driven both in terms of responsibilities and needs. Government commitment and ownership of the process continues to be crucial for success. Nevertheless, as the implementation of the Montreal Protocol is not performed in isolation, partnership and co-operation continues to be essential in this period. The Multilateral Fund and its Implementing Agencies, bilateral agencies, NGOs and other countries continue to help National Ozone Units in Article 5 countries identify and overcome their countries' compliance challenges. A clear understanding of where a country stands in relation to its compliance targets is essential for this work to go forward. OzonAction's Trends Analysis service provides such information.

Contents

This improved version of the Trends Analysis is based on an interactive Flash module using a map-based interface, and it provides more precise year-wise data to the user. Based on official data reported by Governments to the Ozone Secretariat under Article 7 of the Montreal Protocol, the module presents country-wise analyses for the main substances controlled under the Protocol, i.e. chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HCFCs), halons, methyl bromide, carbon tetrachloride (CTC), methyl chloroform (MCF). The graphics can be exported by the user for use in publications and presentations.

The graphs include some or all of the following lines or data points:

Consumption level: This appears for all countries.

Production level: This appears only if the country is or was a producer of the specific ODS.

Montreal Protocol reduction targets: The respective freeze or reduction target dates are included on the graph for reference.

Note that for HCFCs, since Article 5 countries have not yet established their baselines, no freeze level can be shown. Only their consumption and production trends are indicated. However, underneath the graphic is a chart that reminds the user of the percentage phase out schedule for HCFCs according to the Montreal Protocol targets. In the future, the freeze level and subsequent reduction levels will be added once the baseline data are officially reported by the country.

Objective

The OzonAction Compliance Assistance Programme team uses the Trends Analysis to monitor and analyse the compliance status of developing countries for which UNEP provides Institutional Strengthening services under its mandate as an Implementing Agency of the Protocol's Multilateral Fund. UNEP uses the Trends Analysis as a key benchmarking document in meetings of the UNEP's Regional Networks of Ozone Officers, and the graphics are particularly useful for discussions with National Ozone Units in charge of their country's national programme to comply with the Montreal Protocol.

Frequency of updates

This web version of the Trends Analysis is updated once a year, following the schedule of the data reports related to compliance that are produced by the Ozone Secretariat. Additional information on 'Data Reporting and Access' is available on the Ozone Secretariat website.

Comments, questions or corrections

The information contained in the Trends Analysis is up-to-date and reflects the data as it is recorded in the data sources indicated on each country report. However, if there are any discrepancies in the data, NOUs are requested to inform us.

For any other questions or comments:

Mr. Rajendra Shende, Head, OzonAction Branch
UNEP Division of Technology, Industry and Economics
15 rue de Milan
75441 Paris Cedex 09
France
Tel: (33.1) 44.37.14.59
Fax: (33.1) 44.37.14.74
Email: ozonaction@unep.org

June 30, 2010