International award recognises EIA’s ‘unique’ climate investigations and work

We were delighted to be among 60 recipients recognised in the Ozone Awards 2017 by Parties to the Montreal Protocol for extraordinary commitment and outstanding contributions to fighting climate change.

The awards ceremony in Canada last month was organised by the Ozone Secretariat in collaboration with the Government of Canada to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Montreal Protocol and was attended by Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, as well as other international dignitaries.

EIA was singled out for a Partnership Award in recognition of its unique contributions over several decades. The Secretariat noted: “EIA has been a leading international NGO working to reduce ODS [Ozone-Depleting Substances] and HFCs [hydrofluorocarbons] under the Montreal Protocol. From hard-hitting investigations on illegal ODS trade to successful advocacy to accelerate the HCFC [hydrochlorofluorocarbons] phase-out and adopt a global HFC phase-down, EIA plays a unique and valuable role within the Montreal Protocol family.

“EIA campaigners regularly participate at Montreal Protocol and MLF meetings, and have produced over 30 publications providing technical, legal and policy advice to support an HFC phase-down.”

All the awards presented were custom-made by Canadian artists; EIA’s sculpture was created by sculptor Tracey-Mae Chambers.

After accepting the award from Meelis Münt, Estonia’s Deputy Minister of Environment, Climate Campaign Leader Clare Perry said: “EIA has long been in the vanguard of NGOs working on climate change, from our earliest undercover investigations into the smuggling of illegal ozone-depleting substances in the mid-1990s to the sharing of our technical expertise at the highest levels.

“It is gratifying to see the work of so many dedicated colleagues, past and present, honoured with this award.”