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 The
Montreal Protocol has, in the past, already bought the world
the equivalent of decades-worth of CO2 emissions. In the future,
the world has a convenient opportunity to address an inconvenient
truth. Dramatically cutting HCFCs emissions -nearly 2000 times
more potent Greenhouse Gases ( GHGs) than CO2,-and improving
the energy efficiency of air-conditioning and refrigeration
appliances that use them is "..the key to catalyzing
a transition to a low carbon , resource efficient Green Economy"
according to Achim Steiner , United Nations Under Secretary
General and Executive Director of UNEP.
While the opportunity to achieve climate benefit appears
to be a 'low hanging fruit', the 'JumpStart' to pick those
fruits poses a significant challenge as most HFCs, which are
are popular alternatives for HCFCs are also potent GHGs. The
EU has adopted a regulatory framework aimed at reducing emissions
of HFCs. "This policy is widely acknowledged as a global
model that leads to more responsible management of the substances.."
according to Marianne Wenning, Head of Unit ENV C.4 of the
European Commission.
This information and knowledge-exchange is just one of the
tools of responsible management of Ozone Depleting Substances
with the objective to achieve 'low hanging' climate benefit.
Rajendra Shende, Head OzonAction, UNEP DTIE
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- "JumpStart" project to encourage developing countries
to expedite their compliance with the HCFC phase-out obligations
and to adopt environmentally friendly alternatives to HCFCs.
- Reducing car emissions in China and India's Mobile Air Conditioning
(MAC) sector: next generation MAC technology support
The project runs over 2009 - 2010 and is funded by the European
Commission (Thematic Programme for Environment and Sustainable Management
of Natural Resources, including Energy (ENRTP).
The overall objective of the project is to contribute towards the
reduction of direct and indirect releases or emissions of ozone
depleting substances (HCFCs) and greenhouse gases (HCFCs and HFCs)
both through promotion of zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and
low global warming potential (GWP) alternatives as well as promotion
of best practices and better engineered and energy efficient technology.
- HCFC phase-out: the specific objective of this component of
the project is to facilitate information sharing on HCFCs and
their alternatives, and build capacity for a smooth and efficient
phase-out of HCFCs in developing countries to catalyse early action
to comply with, or even move ahead of, the deadlines set by the
Parties to the Montreal Protocol in encouraging the adoption of
non ozone depleting, low or zero GWP and energy efficient technologies
and alternatives. The information sharing and strengthened cooperation
with partner organisations and industry would depend on the creation
of informal networks of contacts between HCFC stakeholders in
developing countries (government/ developing countries, as well
as strengthened regional and bilateral cooperation. The project
aims at creating higher awareness within developing countries
of the alternative chemicals and technologies available, notably
natural refrigerants, and of ways and means to facilitate their
take-up. The project also aims at improved awareness in other
related areas including such as funding available to support transition
from HCFCs, management of HCFC banks, and actions to combat illegal
trade in these chemicals.
- Mobile Vehicle Air Conditioning. The specific objective of this
component of the project is to facilitate awareness raising and
provision of information on the availability of sustainable and
environmentally friendly, non-ODS solutions for mobile air conditioning
systems (MACs), focusing on new and near market MAC technology
that (directly and indirectly) leads to lower greenhouse gas emissions,
and reduced local pollution; responsible servicing practices of
current technologies (e.g. recocovery, tools/ equipment, training
programmes); and associated enabling policies and measures. This
action will also promote international awareness of the environmental
objectives which underlie the EC policies on MACs.
- Targeted surveys on barriers to adoption of alternatives to
HCFCs
- Case studies on HCFC replacement
- Creation of web fora for HCFC stakeholders
- Two HCFC-related workshops and two workshops on MAC
- South America Workshop on low-GWP, energy-efficient HCFC replacement
technologies in the Refrigeration and Air conditioning sector
- Bogota,
Colombia, 22 - 23 April 2010
- Regional workshop on low-GWP HCFC replacement in the foam blowing
sector in Asia, Seoul,
Rep of Korea, 6-7 May 2010
- Workshop on environmental impacts of next generation technologies
for Mobile Vehicles' Air conditioning in China, Nanjing, China,
3 - 4 June 2010
- Workshop on environmental impacts of next generation technologies
for Mobile Vehicles' Air conditioning in India, Delhi, India,
7 - 8 June 2010
UNEP DTIE OzonAction
15 rue de Milan,
75441 Paris CEDEX 09, France
ozonaction@unep.org
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