Montreal Protocol advances HFC phase-down discussions
PARIS: After a five-day preparatory meeting in Paris, Parties to the Montreal Protocol failed to finalise a formal negotiation process for discussions on hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) but agreed to hold an additional meeting prior to the Dubai Meeting of the Parties, which takes place in early November.
Support for tackling HFCs under the Ozone Convention has grown since the first amendment proposals were tabled in 2009. Four proposals were submitted to the 36th Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG), sparking unprecedented formal discussions in the plenary of the meeting while a second track ‘informal’ process took place to agree a mandate for a contact group to take negotiations forward.
Pakistan emerged as the only country blocking progress by the end of the five-day meeting, refusing to allow reference to the amendment proposals in the negotiated mandate even after proponents agreed to first address issues of importance to the countries that have up to now opposed phasing down HFCs under the Montreal Protocol.
A successful negotiation process in Dubai, which precedes the Paris Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), could breathe air into the Paris climate negotiations and set a heavyweight precedent for an effective global climate treaty.
“Given that the vast majority of Parties to the Montreal Protocol support these proposals’ amendment, it’s extremely frustrating that after another week of discussions we are yet to start formal negotiations,” said Clare Perry, EIA Climate Campaign team leader.
“Time is running out and substantial political efforts need to be made to clear the path towards a rapid global agreement on HFCs.”
HFCs are highly potent greenhouse gases used as replacements for ozone-depleting substances which are controlled by the Montreal Protocol. Phasing down consumption and production of HFCs is a cost-effective and rapid solution that can avoid approximately 100 billion tonnes CO2 equivalent emissions by 2050.
For interviews or quotes, please contact Clare Perry, Head of Climate Campaign, via email [email protected].
EDITORS’ NOTES
- The Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) investigates and campaigns against environmental crime and abuses.
- EIA prepared a briefing for the parties which analysed the amendment proposals and called on parties to make swift progress towards formal negotiations on a global HFC phase-down agreement.
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