United Nations Environment Programme

Significant strides have been made towards the Millennium Development Goals, yet reaching all the goals by the 2015 deadline remains challenging, as the world's poorest are being left behind, according to the MDG Report 2011, the UN's annual progress report. "The MDGs have helped lift millions of people out of poverty, save countless children's lives and ensure that they attend school," UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said. "At the same time, we still have a long way to go in empowering women and girls, promoting sustainable development, and protecting the most vulnerable." Read the press materials here.

The UN Millennium Development Goals Report 2011was launched in Geneva on 7 July 2011. Goal 7 Part - Ensure environmental sustainability made mention of the Montreal Protocol. Indeed, The Montreal Protocol is not only helping to restore the ozone layer, but to curb climate change. "The Montreal Protocol is an undisputed—but still unfinished—success story. Much more work remains to be done to ensure the protection of the ozone layer for this and future generations. Still, what the parties to the Protocol have managed to accomplish since 1987 is unprecedented, providing an example of what international cooperation at its best can achieve. As of end-2009, the consumption of 98 per cent of all ozone-depleting substances controlled under the Montreal Protocol had been phased out. Global observations have verified that atmospheric concentrations of such substances are declining. With full implementation of the Protocol’s provisions, the ozone layer is expected to return to its pre-1980 levels around the middle of this century. The Protocol has also delivered substantial climate benefits, since ozone-depleting substances are also global-warming gases. The reduction in such substances between 1990, when they reached peak levels, and 2000 has yielded a net reduction of about 25 billion tonnes equivalent of CO2-weighted global- warming gasses."

In light of recent and future legislation likely to encourage the use of natural refrigerants, the European organisation of Air-Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heat Pump Contractors (AREA), has issued a guidance paper outlining the basic competences that contractors should have when dealing with low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants such as hydrocarbons. According to AREA refrigeration contractors dealing with hydrocarbons should pay particular attention to safety issues and the need to use specific tools when installing and servicing such systems. Basic competences include criteria such as: avoid contact with sparks of fire or to carefully position thermostats in fridges to avoid ignition in case of leaks.

For more information, click here.

MEPs have postponed a vote on whether or not Europe should toughen its climate targets and move to a 30 per cent emissions reduction target by 2020. The commission has set a target of cutting CO2 emissions by 20 per cent compared to 1990 levels by the end of this decade but many MEPs have been pressing for this to be increased to 30 per cent. Some MEPs had warned that failure to vote for a 30 per cent emissions reduction would undermine the EU's reputation as a leading voice in the fight against global warming. Supporters of the move to raise ambitions from the current 20 per cent reduction target argue that it will guide investment decisions crucial to the development of low carbon energy production and the growth of the green economy. Climate talks in Europe will continue in the coming months. On 11 July, environment ministers meet in Poland to discuss a European commission assessment on sharing the costs and benefits of increased climate action.

Mahe, Seychelles 23 June 2011- Some African countries have reported recent cases of illegal trade in Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) shipped from the Gulf Coast. 

During a meeting arranged by the UNEP OzonAction Programme’s Compliance Assistance Programme (CAP) through the Regional Office of Africa for 24 English speaking and Portuguese speaking countries participants were made aware of the ODS smuggling from presentations by delegates from Gambia and Sudan. Most of the smuggling cases presented were attempted to be imported by mislabeling the chemicals as non-controlled commodities. The customs officers were able to seize the shipments since they have been provided with training, are aware of the relevant licensing systems and are equipped with ODS identifiers. It was reported that shipments of cylinders labeled as R-134a (a non-ozone depleting alterative) in fact contained CFC-12 and in some cases mixture of several gases also including HCFC.

Milan, 10 June 2011. By Dr Ian Tennant.  Leading authorities in refrigeration and air conditioning highlighted the need to strengthen and enforce existing regulations for fluorinated greenhouse gases. Yet, meeting environmental targets for green house gas emissions will also require end users to be educated and involved in taking responsibility for their refrigeration units.Nearly 200 delegates from over 23 countries across Europe, the United States, South Korea, India and Japan gathered in Milan for the second installment of the 14th European Conference on Renewable Energy and Heating.  The conference, which was organized by the Centro Studi Galileo, European Energy Centre, UNEP, IIR and TERRE focused heavily on the latest technologies in refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) and setting an economically and environmentally sustainable vision for the industry.

The head of OzonAction Branch of United Nations Environment Programme, Mr Shende, who chaired the conference said, “The destiny of refrigeration and air conditioning industry lies in forging a sustainable business model that cares for the environment.”  During his speech Mr Shende called to mind Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy about how beliefs and thoughts guide our habits, values and ultimately our destiny. “The RAC industry is starting a new journey amidst legislative threats. But on the way new job creation and other low-hanging fruits offer exceptional opportunities for a truly Green Economy.  Those opportunities should be part of our value system.” Yet, Didier Coulomb of the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) stressed the importance of making careful choices when selecting new environmentally friendly technologies, “The selection of refrigerants needs to be linked to an energy efficient solution”. This was met with agreement by Marco Buoni, Vice President of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration European Association (AREA), “AREA’s members are uniquely placed to give expert, but unbiased advice about the use of various refrigerants.  We know that CO2 and other natural refrigerants are good for northern climates and supermarkets but they are not much use in Italy, Portugal or Spain.” Mr Buoni also called for more training of technicians and other staff handling natural refrigerants and not only HFCs, “the UK is trying to roll out a rapid changeover from HFC to CO2 use because of political pressure, but the industry simply doesn’t have enough competent, fully trained field engineers to install, service and maintain them.”

Many speakers, including the European Commission, expressed disappointment about the lack of implementation of ‘certification of personnel’ regulations in Italy, which is leading to a distortion of the EU market.  European Commission DG Climate Action, Lucia Antonini, about the future review of the F-gas regulation said  “If necessary, we will see upgrade and/or strengthen of existing legislation through clarification and enhancement of its effectiveness and efficiency”, she also said that this could be foreseen ”to anticipate future developments by ensuring compatibility with potential international commitments for HFCs, in particular under the Montreal Protocol”. By implementing such changes along with increased involvement of end-users in directing the industry and helping to maintain units, it may be possible to achieve the ‘Systems Thinking’ approach which Professor Susan Roaf of Edinburgh Heriot-Watt University of Edinburgh sees as an essential design principle for the future, “We must work together in strategic partnerships where the effect of each part of the industry, including the training needs of installers is considered in relationship to the health of the whole industry and our environment”.

(Bonn, 17 June 2011)-  Speaking on the final day of the UN Climate Change Conference in Bonn, Germany, the UNs climate change chief said that the negotiations had made clear advances on key issues and were also identifying areas that will require high-level political leadership ahead of the annual conference in Durban.

 The Central political question that has crystallized during this session is how further emission reduction commitments by developed countries can be taken forward in the broader context of the emerging climate change regime,î said United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Executive Secretary Christiana Figueres.  Referring to the link between negotiations on mitigation under the UN Climate Change Convention and mitigation under the Kyoto Protocol, she said: Governments are realising that this link needs to be dealt with to get to a global solution and that will require high-level leadership during the year. Read More... 

From 20 to 23 June 2011, the Ozone Officers Network for English-speaking Africa are meeting in Mahé, Seychelles.

The Ozone Officers Network for English-speaking Africa includes 26 countries - Angola, Botswana, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Special assistance continues to be provided to two Portuguese-speaking countries in the Network (Angola and Mozambique) mainly through special sessions/meetings/group discussions as well as through the involvement of Portugal during the meetings.

The Network is facilitated by the Compliance Assistance Programme team based in Nairobi, Kenya consisting of the Regional Network Coordinator (RNC), Policy and Enforcement Officer (PEO), the Refrigerant Management Plan (RMP) Officer and the Methyl Bromide Officer. The team provides all the CAP services to the region. In this region, all the Implementing Agencies (IAs) of the Multilateral Fund - UNEP, UNIDO, UNDP and the World Bank as well as bilateral partners - France and Germany operate.

To learn more about the Ozone Officers Network for English-speaking Africa. Click here.

The Finnish Customs Services in Vaalimaa in cooperation with the Finnish Environment Institute recently reported a seizure of more than 15 tons of R22 – a hydroclorofluorocarbon (HCFC) used as refrigerant and foam blowing agent. R22 is an ozone-depleting and global warming gas whose production, consumption and trade are strictly controlled under the Montreal Protocol and by European Union regulations.

On 27th of February 2011 a truck coming from Latvia tried to cross – allegedly by accident - the Vaalimaa Customs checkpoint in Eastern Finland which is the primary customs and border-crossing between the European Union and the Russian Federation. Because of the suspicious behavior, the truck was scanned (see photos) and 1150 refrigerant cylinders of 13,6 kg each detected – in total 15,64 tons. The cylinders and their packaging were labeled R22 and hidden behind a cover cargo of glass- and ceramic ornaments and other decorative products. The analysis at the Customs Laboratory confirmed that the cylinders actually contained R22. The R22 cylinders were mis-declared and did not show any serial numbers. The goods have been seized and will eventually be destroyed. Investigations concerning the origin of the chemicals and the people involved in this smuggling case are ongoing.

Several other investigations concerning ozone-depleting substances are currently ongoing:

• Shipment of 14,8 tons of R22 originating from China which arrived in Koper, Slovenia (EU) end of April 2011 for re-export to Serbia without valid export / import licenses.
• Seizure of 39 tons of R12 originating from China and seized by Customs in Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation end of 2010 without valid export / import licenses.
• As part of WCO’s global operation Sky-Hole-Patching II in 2010, several seizures were reported by European & Central Asian countries including Armenia (240 kg of R502), France (44 tons of HCFCs), Poland (14 kg of R22), Sweden (472 pieces of equipment) and Uzbekistan (736 kg of different refrigerants and 26 pieces of equipment).

Congratulations to the Finnish Customs Service in Vaalimaa for their vigilance and alertness and their contribution to protect the ozone layer, climate, human health, ecosystems etc.

1995 signalled the end of the use of CFC‘s as refrigerants. In 1991, four years ahead of the ban all Huber systems were built without CFC‘s and also without R22, which was later banned in 2000. As a result Huber customers were the first to buy machines that reached -120°C, fully Chlorine free which did not damage the Ozone layer. Building on this Huber developed bespoke temperature control systems, in accordance with the global K6 directive from Roche, which requires that chillers are HCFC, HFC & PFC free. Now the entire Huber range is offered with natural refrigerants as an option or as standard.

Natural refrigerants are only one aspect of an environmentally friendly solution. Huber systems are fitting with an energy management system which means that energy consumption is kept to a minimum with no waste. Their highly efficient energy conversion from electrical power to temperature control and the speed and accuracy of Huber systems further saves resources, time and money, resulting in increased productivity. With a Huber chiller consumption of water, one of nature’s most precious resources can be reduced to zero. In addition to this, the materials used in manufacturing are stainless steel, copper and high grade polymers, all of which are recyclable.

For Huber, the eradication of CFC‘s is good but not sufficient, the current target is to phase out all FC‘s, well before the deadline in 2015. Reducing over-all energy consumption in the build and operation of systems remains a priority but the current units are a great start, leading the way in reduced energy consumption.

More information can be found on their website at:  www.huber-online.com

Coca-Cola won an important sustainability award this week from its peers. It was awarded by the Corporate Eco Forum (CEF), an invitation-only organization for Fortune 500 companies that demonstrate a serious commitment to sustainability as a strategic business issue. CEF awarded Coke and its CEO, Muhtar Kent, the C.K. Prahalad Award for Global Sustainability Leadership. The Prahalad Award was created to honor the vision and life's work of the late Dr. C.K. Prahalad, who helped popularize the notion that companies could "do well by doing good."  The award honors Coca-Cola and Kent for international leadership on critical global environmental issues and comprehensive efforts to embed sustainability into core business strategy.

Coke's CEO co-chairs the Consumer Goods Forum, a powerful group of 450 major manufacturers and retailers. In 2010, the group committed to begin phasing out HFC refrigerants beginning in 2015 and to strive for zero net deforestation by 2020 in the procurement of palm oil, soy, beef, and paper products. Coca-Cola has also demonstrated a commitment to embedding sustainability into core business strategy. Among its notable actions, the company has invested over $60 million during the past decade in research, development and production capacity to advance the use of climate-friendly, HFC-free cooling technologies and is phasing out the use of HFC refrigerants in all new cooling equipment as of 2015.

The Prahalad Award was presented to Coca-Cola by Yvo De Boer, an internationally renowned leader on climate change who served as Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change from September  2006 to July 2010. Over 200 senior executives from companies representing 18 industries with combined revenues of over $3 trillion came together at the Corporate Eco Forum's 4th Annual Meeting. They focused on defining "next practice" in corporate sustainability during two days of discussions and working sessions.  CEF's 19-member advisory board voted for the recipient of the Prahalad Award. The board includes representatives from government, academia, non-governmental organizations and the private sector. 

Source: SustainableBusiness.com News 

The European Commission has formally adopted a ban on the use of industrial gas credits in the EU's Emission Trading Scheme (EU ETS) from May 2013. The proposal dates from 25 November 2010 and the Council approved the ban on 21 January 2011. The ban will apply to credits from projects which destroy two industrial gases: trifluoromethane (HFC-23), a by-product of chlorodifluoromethane (HCFC-22), a refrigerant in air conditioners and refrigerators, and nitrous oxide (N 2O) from adipic acid production used in the manufacture of nylon. HFC-23 and N 2O are both powerful greenhouse gases, which contribute to climate change. Essentially, the ban means that companies will be able to use credits for compliance with emissions in 2012 under the EU ETS until 30 April 2013, but not thereafter. No further use restrictions are currently foreseen under the EU ETS beyond industrial gas credits.

Source: EuroPolitics

Engineers at Cambridge-based 42T are investigating an aerosol technology that has the potential to eliminate pressurised propellants from personal and household aerosol canisters. Many types of propellant have been used by aerosol manufacturers over the years. These include chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) and hydrofluorocarbon (HFC). However, as a result of concerns about their impact on the ozone layer, the use of both CFCs and HCFCs is to be totally abolished in accordance with the Montreal Protocol, leaving HFCs and VOCs as the only alternative options.

Yet, despite the fact that HFCs and VOCs are not responsible for the destruction of the ozone layer, they are still greenhouse gases. And as up to 60 per cent of the total volume of an aerosol canister may be propellant, many countries in the developed world are now seeking to ban their use as well, leaving aerosol manufacturers scrambling to find viable alternatives. Howard Biddle, managing director of 42T, believes that he might have found such an alternative. For the past three years, his team has been investigating how a simple impact aerosol could be used in conjunction with novel materials to provide a greener, less expensive solution. To learn more about that alternative solution, click here.

Negotiators from about 180 nations are meeting today in at the Hotel Maritim, Bonn, Germany, from June 6-17 to discuss measures to slow global warming. Speaking on the first day of the UN Climate Change Conference in Bonn, Germany, UNFCCC Executive Secretary Christiana Figueres said governments have an unavoidable responsibility to make clear progress towards the 2011 climate objectives which they had agreed in Cancun. No nation will solve climate change alone. And no nation is alone in feeling its impacts. We're only a few days away now from the mid-year climate negotiations and governments need to pick up speed . She insisted there were reasons to be optimistic. "Countries, including the biggest economies, are moving forward with new policies that promote low-carbon prosperous growth, even if they don't always attach climate labels to these policies. And the private sector continues to increase its investment in low-carbon business and renewable energy and wants to do more."

There’s good news and bad news from opposite ends of the earth on the condition of the ozone layer. Scientific findings show that the ozone layer is starting to recover, thanks to the Montreal Protocol. Scientists have long predicted that phasing out these chemicals will let the ozone layer slowly heal. And now there’s evidence that the recovery has begun.

What about the other pole ? Scientists expect recovery of the Arctic ozone layer between 2020 and 2035. Due to broader climate changes, Arctic ozone concentrations may keep increasing through this century.

So what is happening between the poles, where most people live? : The “Twenty Questions and Answers About the Ozone Layer – 2010 Update ” which was released by the end of May, reports that, comparing average levels from 2005-2009 with average levels from 1964-1980, total ozone levels were down about 3.5 percent in the northern mid-latitudes and down about 6 percent in the southern mid-latitudes. The publication also explains the important connections between protecting the ozone layer and protecting the climate.

Click here to download “ Twenty Questions and Answers About the Ozone Layer – 2010 Update ”

MEPs on the parliament's environment committee backed an extension of the EU's 2020 emissions reduction target from 20% to 30% in a vote on Tuesday. A reduction of at least 25% should be achieved domestically, they said.The vote was on a resolution drafted by Green MEP Bas Eickhout asking the EU executive to put forward a proposal by the end of the year. It was passed by 44 votes to 14, with one abstention, and will be considered by the full parliament on 23 June. "The European Parliament's position has been shifting over the last year," said Mr Eickhout. "There is now broad support for a 30% reduction target and a growing realisation that ambitious climate policies are in Europe's own economic interest."

The environment committee also backed a parliamentary question asking for more EU action on non-CO2 greenhouse gases. Tabled by Christian Democrat MEPs Richard Seeber and Theodoros Skylakakis, the text says reductions in HFC emissions can be made for between five and ten cents a tonne – far cheaper than cuts in CO2.

The MEPs have also prepared a draft resolution on the topic. They give few concrete policy proposals but want more action within and outside the EU on HFCs, HCFCs, black carbon and the pollutants responsible for low-level ozone formation. Commission representatives told committee members that it is already reviewing the f-gas regulation and policies addressing air pollution, and has backed previous attempts to phase down HFC production through the Montreal Protocol.
Source: EndsEurope

India for the first time this year served as global host of the United Nations' World Environment Day June 5, marking the occasion with a week-long series of events across the country - walkathons, treeplanting and a green marketplace, films and art, and a seminar honoring the role of women in environmental protection.

The events all had a forest theme in keeping with this International Year of Forests.

India's Environment and Forests Minister Shri Jairam Ramesh chaired a one day seminar on "Nature and Livelihood: Women's Perspective" in New Delhi. He noted that "conservation of forests is crucial for sustainable development and green economy of the country," and added that women are "crucial" for forest conservation.

About 100 women from civil society organizations across the country shared their attempts to protect forests during interactive sessions with eminent environmentalists and grassroots leaders.

UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner and UN Resident Co-ordinator for India Patrice Couer Bizot highlighted the environmental concerns in the global perspective and praised the initiatives of women leaders at grassroots level in India in environmental awareness and forest conservation.

Greenhouse gas emissions increased by a record amount last year, to the highest carbon output in history, putting hopes of holding global warming to safe levels all but out of reach, according to unpublished estimates from the International Energy Agency. The shock rise means the goal of preventing a temperature rise of more than 2 degrees Celsius – which scientists say is the threshold for potentially 'dangerous climate change' – is likely to be just 'a nice Utopia', according to Fatih Birol, chief economist of the IEA. It also shows the most serious global recession for 80 years has had only a minimal effect on emissions, contrary to some predictions. Last year, a record 30.6 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide poured into the atmosphere, mainly from burning fossil fuel – a rise of 1.6Gt on 2009, according to estimates from the IEA regarded as the gold standard for emissions data. 'I am very worried. This is the worst news on emissions,' Birol told the Guardian. 'It is becoming extremely challenging to remain below 2 degrees. The prospect is getting bleaker. That is what the numbers say.'

The UNs top climate official said the figures underscored the urgency for political action. "The IEA estimates ... are a stark warming to governments to provide strong new progress this year towards global solutions to climate change," said Christiana Figueres, executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

UN climate talks, resuming in Bonn next Monday, remain deadlocked on how to achieve the 2.0 C (3.6 F) target. Even the Kyoto Protocol, whose first round of emissions-cutting pledges for rich nations expires at the end of 2012, may be in jeopardy as key nations say they do not favour renewal. "The figures mean that the world is very far from achieving the goal of preventing a temperature rise of more that two degrees Celsius," EU climate commissioner Connie Hedegaard said in a statement, calling on other nations to set binding targets and emissions trading schemes as has the European Union.

The Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA ) is calling for an end to the expensive UN program that pays over a billion dollars a year to capture and destroy the super greenhouse gas HFC-23. On the eve of an expected decision by the UN's Clean Development Mechanism on the HFC-23 methodology, EIA is calling for the methodology to be retired and the current contracts for HFC-23 destruction not to be renewed. HCFC-22 manufacturers would assume responsibility for destroying HFC-23 waste gas generated during HCFC-22 production, including the minimal costs for capture and incineration.

Since 2005, Kyoto signatories have spent several billion dollars to obtain some 260 million carbon credits (Certificates of Emission Reduction - CERs) for offsets resulting from HFC-23 destruction projects, mostly in China and India.

Because revenues from HFC-23 credits are so much greater than the cost of HFC-23 destruction, many manufacturers can earn more from selling HFC-23 credits than from producing HCFC-22. This has created a perverse incentive that encourages manufacturers to produce more HFC-23 than is necessary just so they can be paid to destroy it. It has also subsidized developing nations' production of HCFC-22, itself a greenhouse gas and an ozone depleting substance that is currently being phased out under the Montreal Protocol.

Recently the Government of Belize passed the Refrigeration Technician (Licensing) Act which not only allows refrigeration and AC technicians to better organize themselves but it also ensures that each technician will be trained to use products that are harmless to the environment. Indeed Belize like the rest of the world is making a change in the substance it uses in the refrigerant and AC sector. That is being done through a wide education and training campaign.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment started a scholarship program in which 18 youths received scholarships to study refrigeration and air conditioning at the Institute for Technical and Vocational Education and Training. Another initiative of the government is to train and certify practicing technicians. The Ministry has trained and certified over 300 refrigerant and air condition technicians on “Good Practices in Refrigeration” and “Recovery and reuse of refrigerants.”  Over 75 enforcement officers including Police, BDF, Customs and Traffic have been trained on the licensing system and on prevention of illegal CFC’s trade as well.

Belize has been a leader in the emission of green house gases and phase-out of ozone depleting substances. The Ambassador of Switzerland was present at the launching of the HPMP. His Excellency Rudolf Knoblauch explained that the Government of Switzerland will provide US$100,000 towards the implementation of the phase-out plan and assist with technical support.

On May, 12, 2011, diplomats from eight Arctic countries met in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland to set down rules for opening the region to fishing, tourism, oil and mineral exploration as global warming melts the ice.

The representatives signed an Arctic Search and Rescue Agreement, which the US State Department said is the first binding international agreement among the eight states of the Arctic Council, which was founded in 1996

"We're going to raise the visibility of Arctic issues,"  US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said, speaking to reporters on a boat tour in a fjord of Greenland's tiny capital.

"The opportunities for economic development in the Arctic must be weighed against the need to protect its environment and ecosystems," Clinton told her counterparts from the Arctic Council.

She warned pollutants such as black carbon, methane and hydro fluorocarbons, so-called short lived climate forcers, were a problem that needed more attention as they contribute to the faster-than-average rate of warming in the Arctic.

"While most of the world's black carbon is created elsewhere, there are things we can do in the Arctic to mitigate its warming effects," Clinton said. "The United States has already committed $5 million toward an Arctic Black Carbon Initiative to address Arctic emissions," she said.

Due to rising temperatures, summer ice around the Arctic may soon disappear, devastating the livelihoods of indigenous peoples and threatening polar bears and other polar mammals.

But it could also increase access for shipping, mining and oil and gas exploration and countries including Canada, Denmark, Norway and Russia have already staked claims in the region. Last week, a new international study projected that an accelerated melt of Arctic ice would cause world sea levels to rise by three to five feet by 2100, more than previously projected. That sparked calls by Nordic nations for more action to slow climate change and more focus on the Arctic in sluggish UN negotiations on a global deal. 

Mr. Rajendra Shende, Head of UNEP DTIE OzonAction presented a trophy and a certificate to the winnner of the 8th World Television Award, Ms. Vanessa Fisher of Deutsche Welle TV from Germany who produced the film "Energy Efficient Reffrigerators in Brazil". It is an inspiring film which incorporated a story-line and giving human face to the film and simplify the complex and technical issue.

This is the first time that UNEP DTIE OzonAction collaborated with Asia Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) and the partners to organize the World Television Award with the theme on ozone layer protection and safeguarding the global climate system.

To discover the Photo Album of the event, click here.

Do we have to pay energy penalty while implementing the last challenge of the Montreal Protocol that aims to protect the Ozone Layer? This was the question at the core of the symposium   and discussion concluded here in Kuwait city today. 

Symposium was organized jointly by ASHRAE’s Kuwait Chapter and UNEP’s OzonAction on “Refrigerants; Challenges & Prospects in High-Ambient Temperature Countries” at the Kuwait University.

“The importance of this event  stems from the interlinked challenges that encompass  environmental concerns, codes related to energy consumption in the buildings , and above all the compliance with the  Montreal Protocol by the countries that have high ambient temperature”  said  Minster of Public Works Dr. Fadhil Safar Ali Safar while inaugurating the first ever such symposium , participated by nearly 100 participants that included major manufacturers of the refrigerants like Honeywell and DuPont, along with manufacturers of the air conditioners like Carrier, Daikin, Johnson Control “Refrigeration and air-conditioning sector is one of the most needed and important sectors that contribute notably to national economies particularly in countries with harsh climatic conditions like gulf countries” he added. 
“The use of air conditioning in the gulf countries is rising rapidly. Ozone Layer Protection should not come at the cost of lower energy efficiency and emissions of the Green House Gases” said Rajendra Shende, Head of the UNEP OzonAction . The symposium which was also supported by Environmental Public Authority (EPA) and Ministry of Electricity and Water of Government of Kuwait was held at the backdrop of the more stringent energy efficient standards for air conditioning announced by Government of Kuwait and United Arab Emirate. Such policies are expected to drive technology innovation for more energy efficient technology in air conditioning sector. 

The industries agreed to collaborate with Kuwait University to test the existing refrigerants at high ambient temperature and develop the technology road map to ensure that energy penalty due to high ambient temperature is mitigated. 

Kuwait Foundations for Advance Sciences (KFAS) has agreed to give priority for the consideration of the project in Kuwait to optimize and develop the technologies for the air conditioning in high ambient temperature. The project proposal would be jointly developed by the Kuwait University and EPA, with technical support of UNEP and ASHRAE. 

Honeywell announced yesterday that it has tripled production capacity for its low-global-warming-potential (GWP) product HFO-1234ze to meet the growing need for the material, which is used in multiple foam and aerosol applications.HFO-1234ze meets the European F-gas regulation, which limits the use of certain fluorinated gases in one component foam, which are widely used in the construction industry. With zero ozone depleting potential and a GWP of only six, the new product is well below the threshold of 150 set by the European F-Gas regulation. It is part of Honeywell´s innovative low-GWP program based on hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) technology.

On 9 May 2011, the United States, Canada, and Mexico submitted a joint proposal to phase down the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, adding to the previously submitted phase-down proposal by the Federated States of Micronesia.
Both amendment proposals will be considered at the 23rd Meeting of the Montreal Protocol Parties in November 2011 in Bali, where developed and developing countries will endeavor to reach consensus.

Under the North American proposal, developed countries would lead the effort beginning in 2015 to gradually phase down to 15% of baseline levels by 2033. Developing countries would take their first step to control HFCs in 2017, phasing down to 15% of baseline levels by 2043.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the amendment proposal would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 98 gigatons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2050.

Aiming for a 50% reduction in the carbon footprint of its installed fridge base by 2020, Heineken is rolling out hydrocarbon refrigerant bottle coolers at a global scale.

To serve the company‟s beer at the optimum temperature, Heineken aims to use refrigeration equipment with a low carbon footprint and energy consumption. The company‟s policy is that wherever it is technically and legally possible, every new fridge Heineken buys will include the safe and more environmental friendly hydrocarbon refrigerant, uses LED illumination and has a thermostat with an energy management system for large fridges. Combined these three elements are expected to yield energy reduction of at least 35 per cent. In 2010, the company began implementing this new approach and 80 per cent of the new fridges met at least one of the above standards.

"Impact of Polar Ozone Depletion on Subtropical Precipitation" demonstrates that the ozone hole is able to increase the amount of rainfall as far away as the subtropical region of southern hemisphere. For the first time, ozone depletion is clearly linked to climate change from the Pole of the equator.

It is now widely recognized to be one of the main causes of atmospheric circulation changes in the Southern Hemisphere in the last half century. Thus, international agreements about climate mitigation should not only consider carbon but also ozone. "This could be a real game- changer " noted Lorenzo M. Polvani, Professor of Applied Mathematics and of Earth and Environment Sciences, co-author of the paper.

As Polvani said, "Wile the ozone hole has been considered as a solved problem, we are now finding it has caused a great deal of the climate change that has been observed ". So even though CFCs are no longer being added to the atmosphere, and the ozone layer will recover in the coming decades, the closing ozone hole will have a considerable impact on climate change.

Refrigerators are a necessary part of today’s kitchen, but with them come a whole list of environmental concerns. They do harm the environment before it is even plugged in because of the insulating foam made with HFC, a high global warming gas.
However, manufacturers are working to replace the HFCs.
General Electric announced on Tuesday that it had become the first American manufacturer of a full line of refrigerators to eliminate a gas called HFC 134a, a so-called blowing agent. The new version of refrigerators are using cyclopentane in place of HFCs. It's another hydrocarbon, but is less of a pollutant. It has a global warming of 3 to 10.

Air-conditioning technologies based on the use of waste heat from on-site electricity generation have the potential to greatly reduce energy consumption. This eliminates HFC use in many large- scale applications immediately.

The Banque Generale du Luxembourg has installed a gas fired co-generation system that produces 90% of the Bank’s energy needs and 100% cooling and heating. The cooling is provided with three absorption chillers using lithium bromide as the absorbent. The bank estimates that it saves 1 million dollars in energy costs, and reduces CO2 emissions by 6500 tons a year. The system is American designed and installed by Trane.

GTZ Proklima carried out many conversion projects from fluorocarbons to natural refrigerants around the world including in Mauritius.
The German Government Development Agency (GTZ Proklima) together with the Ministry of Environment of Mauritius are converting the air-conditioning of two government buildings. Existing CFC-12 and CFC-11 chillers are to be replaced with ammonia chillers. The project is designed to demonstrate the feasibility and enhanced energy efficiency of ammonia chillers in tropical climates. The project provides technical and safety training to engineers and service technicians.

Since 2000 Coca Cola has developed a new, high efficiency, CO2 technology for vending machines. On December 3rd, 2009, Coca Cola announced that 100 percent of their new vending machines and coolers will be hydrofluorocarbon-free (HFC-free) by 2015. Coca Cola will have 135,000 coolers and vending machines using natural refrigerants worldwide by the end of 2010.

According to Coca Cola: “some of our suppliers achieved even better CO2 performance versus R134a under "D" conditions (40 degrees C ambient)... and in all countries in the world yearly averages are in a range where CO2 in beverage cold drink equipment performs better than 134a”. It has been reported that Coke’s CO2 cooler made by Haier is 35% more efficient than the ordinary HFC ones.

Gree, is the largest manufacturer of residential air-conditioners globally. In cooperation with GTZ ProKlima, Gree has developed a propane (R-290), highly efficient, domestic air-conditioner: COP of 3.52 to 3.55, energy efficiency 15% better than corresponding HCFC-22 unit, and total hydrocarbon charge less than 300 grams. R-290 units are cheaper to produce than R-22, R 407C and R 410A units because: R-290 uses narrower tubes in condenser and evaporator, R290 has better heat transfer properties, and lower pressure drop. Gree R-290 air-conditioners conform to all EU regulations, and refrigerant charge is lower than required by international standards (IEC 60335-2-40). The units include a refrigerant leak alarm system that turns off the compressor, keeps fans operating, and sets off an alarm and flashing light. Production to start in 2010.

In Jamaica have completed numerous conversions of R-22 installations to hydrocarbons with significant energy savings. These conversions of used equipment demonstrate that hydrocarbons can be safely applied, and should be an incentive to equipment manufacturers to produce new air conditioning units with propane and other hydrocarbons.

A conversion project has been developed at the University of West Indies, Mona Campus: Econergy Engineering Services in cooperation with Rexham Engineering as a sub contractor converted nearly 4,000 air-conditioning units from HCFC-22 to R-290 on the Mona Campus of the University of West Indies, Jamaica. These included window, mini-split and central air-conditioning units. The energy reductions due to the superior efficiency of propane, average between 15 to 20% per unit. In addition, the hydrocarbon units require less maintenance and repair. These two factors combined results in very significant cost benefits to the university.

Australia’s approach to meeting its Montreal Protocol obligations has been based on a cooperative partnership between industry, community, and all levels of government. Industry is consulted throughout Australia’s ODS policy development process. Australia’s approach has resulted in an engaged industry driven towards best practice for the industry and environmental protection.

Australian industry has been active in supporting Montreal Protocol objectives, with many of the initiatives that go beyond the requirements of the Montreal Protocol initiated by the industry. For example, the Australian Government worked closely with industry in the development of a product stewardship scheme that collects and disposes of used ODS and SGG, thereby minimizing emissions of ODS and synthetic greenhouse gases. Refrigerant Reclaim Australia is an industry-run, not-for-profit product stewardship scheme that manages Australia’s recovery, reclamation and destruction of ODS. It is supported by regulations which require importers of ODS and synthetic greenhouse gases, in bulk and in pre-charged equipment, to belong to a product stewardship scheme. The Australian government and industry worked closely together to develop Australia’s HCFC phase out strategy.

Australia is well ahead of its Montreal Protocol obligations in the phase out of HCFCs. Australia will largely phase out consumption of HCFC by 2016, four years ahead of the schedule required under the protocol. In doing so, Australia will consume 61% less HCFC in the period up to 2020 than is permitted under the Montreal Protocol—even after the parties to the Montreal Protocol agreed in 2007 to advance HCFC phase out globally. This year, Australia also banned the import of most HCFC air conditioning equipment, further reducing the amount of HCFC needed to service existing equipment. Coupled with the Mandatory Energy Performance Standards and product labeling, Australia is moving towards an ODS-free and energy efficient future.

« Old refrigerators have harmful gases that can damage the environment, » says Aing Thong owner of a small service shop in the heart of Phnom Penh. « We tell the customers how they affect the ozone. But they care more about the cost. » Thus, UNEP and UNDP are helping Cambodia launch education drives for service shop employees. They are told about why certain chemicals are harmful to the environment and how to properly repair appliances so that the harmful gases don’t leak into the atmosphere. So far, the program has train more than 1,000 technicians around the country. But the next challenge facing Cambodia will be its ability to phase out HCFCs, which are safer for the ozone layer but a very potent greenhouse gas. UNEP figures show the consumption of HCFCs has actually risen over the last decade in Cambodia, even as CFC consumption fell. Like other developing countries, Cambodia is bound by a schedule to gradually reduce HCFC consumption, aiming for a 10 % reduction by 2015, a 67.5 % reduction by 2025 and a complete phase-out by 2040. Pak Sokharavut, the deputy Director of the Department of Pollution Control at Cambodia’s Ministry of Environment, believes the phase-out is crucial: « Climate change is a global issue. It’s not just a Cambodian issue. We have to do our part and think globally. »

In August 2010, Bhutan took the historic decision to further advance the phase-out of HCFCs in 10 years. Bhutan is one of the few countries in the world where sustainable development is embedded in its constitution, and the phase-out has been accorded a priority because of the global warming and ozone-depleting properties of the chemical. HCFCs have a Global Warming Potential 2,000 times more than carbon dioxide.

Bhutan has committed to phase out the consumption of HCFCs, mainly used in the air-conditioning and refrigeration servicing sector in its large industrial establishments, hotels and resorts, corporate offices, governmental sectors, as well as domestic servicing sector. The plan also involves policy and legislations, training and capacity building activities, as well as information outreach for HCFC phase-out.

This is an encouraging action that demonstrates to the global community that small countries
like Bhutan can also be at the frontline in the battle against climate change and the protection of the ozone layer.

Indian industry associations actively participated in the process of policy formulations related to ODS phase out. The industry willingly accepted the challenging task of stopping the use of ODS in new manufacturing of appliances/ equipments as early as in 2003.

The choice of non-ODS technologies was left to individual enterprises. Indian industry developed technologies using in-house research and development facilities in close cooperation with other institutions in the country. Indian refrigerant manufacturers developed manufacturing technologies for HFC-134a in collaboration with a leading chemical research institutes.

Indian domestic refrigeration industry evaluated low global warming potential hydrocarbon both as foaming agents and refrigerants in association with research institutions under the trilateral ECOFRIG (Indo-Swiss-German) project. India was one of the first Article 5 countries to introduce hydrocarbon technology into domestic refrigeration sector since 2003.

The Ozzy Oscars is an international award run by the OzonAction branch of the United Nations Environment Programme in co-operation with Volvo Adventure. At OzonAction, we know that there are many great creative and innovative environmental projects run by young people that protect the stratospheric ozone layer and the Earth’s climate at the same time. Those project or completely new ones developed by young people could be representing their country at the Ozzy Oscars. The winner will receive an all-expenses-paid trip from Volvo Adventure to the final in Sweden in June 2011.
For the winning entries, Volvo Adventure is also offering the chance of a financial reward that could make it possible to run, improve or enhance their projects

Please register by visiting: www.volvoadventure.org/va_ozzyentry.aspx and enter teams from your school, youth or community for one of the two awards:

1. The Volvo Adventure: for students between 13 and 16 years who are working in teams of two to five, and actively involved in devising and managing an environmental project. Once registered, entrants simply download the guidelines, go to the publishing tool and enter the project details online before 31 January 2011.
   
   
2. Bob the Bunny Cartoon competition: for those under 13 working in teams of three. Once registered entrants download the entry form and start on their cartoon. The best cartoons featuring Bob will be published on the website and the team producing the best entries will be invited to Sweden.

We look forward to seeing your projects!

Interview recorded in Bangkok. Let us introduce you to Dr. Ravishankara and Dr. Paul Newman, talking about the benefits of the Montreal Protocol and how this success could inspire the climate  negotiations.

A side event was organized on the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the discovery of the ozone hole: current status and expected recovery by UNEP OzonAction in Bangkok, Thailand on 11 November 2010. Dr. A. R. Ravishankara, from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration gave a  presentation of the connections between ODSs and the ozone hole.  Dr. Paul A. Newman, from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) presented the ozone hole now and in the future, and how it might interact with climate change. This Antarctic ozone hole is a massive depletion of ozone that occurs each Austral spring. Please find attached the presentation. 

Dr. Paul A. Newman: o3hole_2010_summary_22MOP_2010-11-11
Dr. A. R. Ravishankara: ravi.pptx

In this interview, Mr Seebaluck, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Natural Development of the Island of Mauritius, talked about the achievements
of the Montreal Protocol. "The Montreal Protocol has a lot to show and should support the climate regime", he said.

Founded in 1924, Daikin Industries Ltd. has grown to become a leading producer of air-conditioning systems and fluoro-chemical products. In fiscal year 2008, Daikin’s total annual sales reached US$14 billion and it had 40,000 employees around the world.
As a unique company producing both air-conditioning equipment and refrigerant, it is greatly influenced by fluorine-related regulations. Since 1987, Daikin has been tackling the refrigerant issue in the recognition of its importance to the success of the Montreal Protocol.
Under the Montreal Protocol, it was decided in 1990 that CFC refrigerants were to be phased out by 1996 in Japan. In 1992, it was also decided that HCFC refrigerants were to be phased out by 2030 (later accelerated to 2020). Daikin responded to the toughening regulations and developed alternative substances that do not deplete the ozone layer. Now, it is confronting the new challenge of the development of new refrigerants in the fight against climate change.

As the largest producer, consumer and exporter of ozone depleting substances in the world, China produces and uses more than 50% of the chemicals among developing countries.

China’s industry has fully supported the government’s goal of complying with the Montreal Protocol. With guidance of government department and industrial associations, most enterprises have strictly abided by the policies and regulations issued by the state and fulfilled obligations, including submitting data. Enterprises have been putting efforts in introducing alternative technologies and eliminate outdated procedures.

During the past ten years, China shut down and dismantled production lines and production facilities of more than 200 companies. Hundreds of enterprises went through conversion and substitution of production lines and production facilities. Enterprises, universities and research institutions input a lot of labor, material resources and funds in developing ODS substitutes and alternative technology.

South Asia, home to 1.6 billion people, has low levels of awareness about ozone depletion. When it comes to the transition from CFC to CFC-free Metered Dose Inhalers for asthma patients, the lack of awareness translates into reluctance on the part of manufacturers and patients to switch to ozone-friendly inhalers.

Bucking this trend is Bangladesh’s Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd (Beximco Pharma) which has been making a switch to HFA inhalers.As a follow-up to UNEP’s Langkawi Declaration on Public-Private Partnership Beximco Pharma and Bangladesh Lung Foundation, designed an effective awareness raising strategy for CFC-free MDIs by asthma and COPD patients. Seminars were held for doctors across Bangaldesh to disseminate key clinical information. The partnerships is now regarded as a successful model of public-private partnership involving government, pharmaceuticals industries, doctors, environmental agencies and others stakeholders that could be replicated in other developing countries.

Beximco Pharma is a leading manufacturer of pharmaceuticals, and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities are certified by major global regulatory bodies. The company is a leading exporter of pharmaceuticals to 45 countries. It has received regulatory approvals from ANVISA, (Brazil), Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia and Gulf Central Committee for Drug Registration (for GCC member states) for its manufacturing facilities. Approvals from UK MHRA, EMEA and USFDA are under process for its Oral Solid Dosage and Metered Dose Inhaler facilities.

In 2006, Beximco Pharma listed itself among the very few companies in the world who proactively converted CFC based formulations to ozone friendly HFA Inhalers in compliance with the Montreal Protocol. The company is now the single largest producer of MDIs in Bangladesh and with its current capability in manufacturing and supplying CFC free HFA inhalers for asthma and COPD patients, the country need not suffer for even a single day if the government decides to stop using CFC in inhalers from tomorrow.

The Maldives plans to phase out the use of HCFCs by 2020, 10 years ahead of the country’s international obligations under the Montreal Protocol. The decision underlines the Maldives’ concerns over greenhouse gas emissions which cause climate change.

The Maldives hopes that by leading the way and discontinuing the use of HCFCs early, we can demonstrate that early phase out is possible and practical, leading the way for other countries to follow suit. The government’s decision is in line with the Maldives’ ambitions to become carbon neutral, by pioneering low carbon development and ecologically sound tourism.

For the Maldives, the HCFC phase out is an important part of a wider shift towards green growth and development, where the environment is viewed not as something to be plundered but as a precious economic asset to be protected.

Today, the Virtual Tour received a special welcome while passing through Syria in its way to
Kinshasa.

Children played a Capoeira in a "roda" for us. They even replaced the traditional instruments by the blue balloons. These children are Iraqi refugees and have been training capoeira enthusiastically with CapoeirArab in Damascus for a little over six months thanks to Bidna Capoeira. Bidna Capoeira is a new NGO, aiming to improve the wellbeing of children and communities by teaching capoeira.

If you want to learn more about it, go to http://www.bidnacapoeira.org/.

Who wants to know how Sri Lanka’s Dilmah Tea can offer the world ozone-friendly Ceylon Tea?

In 2007, Dilmah’s Tea decided to give 10% of its global profits for projects that include marine and terrestrial habitat and species conservation with an emphasis on the north and east of Sri Lanka, helping indigenous communities sustainable, ecosystem restoration, promoting sustainable agriculture, protection of biodiversity and environmental education.

Sri Lanka has implemented various measures to comply with environmental-related international conventions and agreements, including the Montreal Protocol. The usage of methyl bromide as a soil fumigant in the tea sector was halted to comply with the Montreal Protocol. This measure was introduced to all Dilmah owned and affiliated plantations with facilitation and subsequent monitoring by the Sri Lanka Tea Research Institute (TRI). Dilmah tea gardens now use Basamid-Granular for soil fumigation.

Now, you have the answer: by phasing out Methyl Bromide used in fumigating the soil in its teal plantations, Sri Lanka now offers the world ozone-friendly Ceylon Tea.