<p>The Open-ended Working Group (OEWG) of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on protection of the ozone layer met from 23-27 July 2012 in Bangkok. The session was held to prepare the 24th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on 12-16 November 2012 in Geneva.</p>
- ozone
- Monday 23 July 2012, 02:00 - Saturday 28 July 2012, 01:59 (CEST)
Practical information
- When
- Monday 23 July 2012, 02:00 - Saturday 28 July 2012, 01:59 (CEST)
- Languages
- English
Description
The agenda of the Bangkok meeting included alternatives to ozone-depleting substances and proposals to include hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) under the Montreal Protocol in order to achieve a global phase-down of these gases. Throughout the meeting the European Union sought to promote constructive discussions on alternatives and on how best to achieve a global phase-down of HFC production and consumption. A contact group to discuss alternatives to ozone-depleting substances was established.
Regarding proposals to amend the Montreal Protocol to include HFCs, the Parties did not reach consensus to establish a formal contact group but were able to have a broad discussion in plenary.
The EU also sought to achieve the best possible results for the ozone layer concerning the remaining permitted uses of ozone-depleting substances. The main agenda issues here were:
- The treatment of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) when used to service ships; and
- Methyl bromide (MB) for critical-use exemptions, as well as for fumigation for quarantine and pre-shipment treatments.
Contact groups were established on both of these topics.
The OEWG meeting was preceded on 21-22 July by an international technology conference on Advancing Ozone & Climate Protection Technologies: Next Steps. This brought together policymakers and stakeholders to share information and expertise on various alternative substances and approaches to ensure that the phase-out of CFCs and HCFCs is completed in ways that avoid an adverse impact on the climate through the use of other substances with high global warming potentials (GWP).
The technology conference was supported by the European Commission and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (CCAC).
Read More:
- UNEP press release on the Bangkok meeting and technology conference
- UNEP Ozone Secretariat
- Bangkok OEWG Agenda
- Technology conference - "Advancing Ozone and Climate Protection Technologies: Next Steps"
- Climate and Clean Air Coalition
- Protection of the ozone layer
Location
