The G7 group of countries has agreed to push for the adoption of an HFC phase-down amendment under the Montreal Protocol this year. The phase-down was among a raft of environmental issues discussed byG7 environment ministers and other officials including EU Environment Commissioner Karmenu Vella in Toyama,Japan on 15-16May.

The ministers – from G7 nations Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan,the United Kingdom and the United States – recognised the importance of curbing emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs), including hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). 

“Measures to reduce SLCPs can help slow the rateof near-term warming, while realising significant benefits for human health andfood security,” the environment ministers said in a communique. 

Their meeting comes at a crucial time ahead of fresh meetings of the parties to the Montreal Protocol in July and October. In line with a deal reached in Dubai inNovember 2015, also known as the ‘Dubai Pathway onHFCs’, countries are committed to working within the framework of the Montreal Protocol to deliver an HFC amendment in 2016. The first step in this process isto find feasible solutions to remaining challenges in managing HFCs. 

“On measures to address fluorocarbons, we welcome the decision in Dubai by the parties tothe Montreal Protocol to address HFCs under the Montreal Protocol, and support adoption of a Montreal Protocol HFC phase-down amendment in 2016,” the ministers said. 

“We also recognise the importance of implementing concrete measures to minimise emissions throughout the lifecycle of HFCs and other fluorocarbons, including through the management of equipment and appliances that use these substances during their operations and at the time of their disposal," they added. 

The G7 ministers’ pledge to support the global HFC phase-down increases the likelihood that countries like Japan will introduce tough regulations on the use and production of HFCs in the coming years, potentially boosting uptake of natural refrigerant technology around the globe. 

Next steps

The 38th Open-Ended Working Group meeting of the Montreal Protocol will be held on 18-21 July 2016. Countries are expected to continue informal discussions in the meantime, amid high hopes that an agreement can be reached by the end of 2016. 

An extraordinary Meeting of the Parties is scheduled for 22-23 July and the 28th Meeting of the Parties is slated for October 2016.

[ΠΗΓΗ: http://www.ammonia21.com/]