Development & Aid, Environment, Tierramerica

MONTREAL PROTOCOL: A Global Partnership for Global Benefits

PARIS, Sep 15 2008 (IPS) - The elimination of some of the substances that deplete the ozone layer could also mean reducing emissions of up to 25 billion tons of carbon dioxide, the principal greenhouse gas, writes expert and UNEP official Silvie Lemmet.

The Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer, ratified by 193 countries, is one of the most successful international cooperation histories at the global level.

Due to the high level of commitment displayed by all players involved with the elimination of the use of substances that damage the ozone layer, the level of those substances in the atmosphere is dropping and there are incipient signs that the vital shield that protects us from the sun’s deadly ultraviolet radiation is regenerating.

The measures adopted to eliminate ozone-depleting substances have generated additional environmental benefits, because many of those chemical substances contribute to the warming of the Earth. Drastically reducing them has also helped to counteract the climate change phenomenon.

The complete substitution of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), is fully advanced in industrialized countries as well as in developing countries. In the specific case of Latin America and the Caribbean as a whole, the reduction in CFC consumption reached 95 percent last year.

However, there is still much to be done with respect to other substances, such as hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and methyl bromide, which are also detrimental to the ozone layer.

In 2005, the consumption of HCFCs in developed countries had dropped by 72 percent with respect to the base level, although it is expected that further declines in consumption will continue at a somewhat slower rate in the coming years.

Consumption of HCFCs in developing countries reached approximately 20,000 tons ODP (ozone depletion potential) in 2005 and recent studies show that this figure could double or more by 2015.

Current HCFC use trends must be reversed to meet the adjustments agreed last year at the 19th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol.

The decision speeds up the elimination and consumption of HCFCs one decade for all Parties. Likewise, it controls the production and consumption levels at which non-industrialized countries must begin their reductions, respects the necessary deadlines for the introduction of the alternatives, and promotes that these refrigerants will not be replaced by substances with high potential for greenhouse effect or other environmental risks.

Some statistics show that the elimination of the HCFCs could result in emissions reductions equivalent to between 18 and 25 billion tons of carbon dioxide, the leading greenhouse gas.

Annually, this represents a cut equal to or greater than 3.5 percent of global emissions of greenhouse gases. Undoubtedly, the Montreal Protocol commitments for an accelerated elimination of HCFCs meet the double purpose of confronting climate change and ozone depletion.

We must stress that this successful worldwide partnership known as the Montreal Protocol must be fully concluded in order to meet its main goal, the restoration of the ozone layer, which is foreseen for the middle of this century. It is a big challenge, but if the joint effort of governments, industries and consumers is continued, success is ensured.

In these advances, the participation of government and civil society, among which we must mention the industrial sector, the education sector and the media, has played a key role in creating awareness of the problem and, most importantly, how to jointly implement the solutions.

Therein lies the success attained by the Montreal Protocol. On September 16 we celebrate the 2008 edition of the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, which commemorates the signing of the Montreal Protocol in recognition of its relevance for the protection of health and the environment.

With the aim of consolidating the successes achieved, this year, UNEP, UNESCO, UNICEF and WHO have carried out a joint effort in preparing an education package intended to facilitate lessons about protecting the atmosphere at the secondary school level, published in Spanish, French and English.

This package contains working materials for the teacher and for the student. Through an interactive approach and role-playing, we seek to raise student awareness about the current state of the ozone layer and its link to climate change.

These UN agencies are promoting the use of this educational package, “OzonAction”, in all countries around the world and encouraging national authorities to include this topic in the official education programs.

In Latin America and the Caribbean, UNEP will participate in the official celebrations of International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer in Colombia, Haiti and Suriname to distribute the educational materials and in this manner help to reinforce national efforts.