UNEP moves to assist developing nations abandon greenhouse gasses

via Khmer NZ

30 July 2010 - Issue : 894

The 20th Montreal Protocol meeting in 2007 reached a deal on a crucial environmental agreement to further reduce the use of ozone-damaging chemicals, such as HCFCs. EPA/ANDRE PRICHETTE

The UN Environment Programme and the European Commission launched a set of technical documents, designed to enable developing countries to phase out HCFC, the chemical emissions that deplete the ozone layer.

They hope to build on the successful reduction of CFC gasses that was part of the 1989 Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer. This was achieved, partly, by using HCFC gasses as a temporary replacement, that were less harmful.

The documents form a 'tool box' of e-books, showing 20 practices, taken from the developed world, that can be adapted by individual nations. This is the first time that e-books have been produced, offering a flexibility that other file formats lack. UNEP say that they are avoiding printing 15,000 – 20,000 copies and the effects of distributing the information.

Philip Owen, Head of the Transport and Ozone unit at the European Commission said, “putting these documents online is a more efficient way of distributing the information and allows them to be updated, with best practice and additional information as the project is used by developing states.”

A key area is in capacity building, including training staff and educating stakeholders. Each section has a general introduction and an examination of the advantages of introducing a specific policy and the disadvantages, including the administrative requirements. Etienne Gonin, a consultant to the project said, “we want to be open about all aspects of introducing these policies.”

Rajendra Shende, Head of the UN Environment Prograamme said that “our children's children will only read about HCFC in the history books”. Launched on the 25th anniversary of the discovery of the ozone layer, Shende said, “this is a birthday and this tool box is a gift to the developing nations.”

He added that, “developing countries need such a tool box that would enable them to develop and implement HCFC phase-out strategies.”

The project is aimed to jump start efforts to reduce, and ultimately eliminate the chemical emissions. A series of workshops were held in Korea and Columbia that brought together experts and policy makers. They also studied the technology avaliable and looked at barriers to low emission technologies and the illegal trade in HCFC's.

The project began in 2009, funded by the EC, and its objectives are to eradicate HCFC in developing countries, highlighting refrigeration and air conditioning as well as reducing car emissions.

The UNEP say that they have learned from the implementation of the first phase of the Montreal Protocol. Shende said that the timing was important as there has been a rise in CFCs in the developing world.

The majority of developing countries are consumers, but not producers of HCFCs. Initially, developing countries should stop importing HCFC producing technology and try to retro-fit new technology where possible.

Some developing states have agreed to eliminate HCFCs ahead of the protocol targets. The Maldives have been given $1.1 million to eradicate HCFCs from the islands. Cambodia has also received $2 million for the same ends.

The project works with 147 nations. Shende says he has noticed, “a subtle change. They no longer see getting rid of these chemicals as a burden. Now they have started realising that doing this is not just better for the environment, but is better for the economy.”

The savings can be significant as 14% of energy is used in refrigeration and air conditioning and a cleaner and more efficient system can have significant benefits, not only for the environment, but the economy.