Safeguarding earth’s protective ozone layer became a global priority after discovery that certain compounds were found to deplete this layer, posing substantial risks to human health and the environment. The Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer in 1985 and the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer in 1987 have eventually led to the reduction by more than 90 percent of these damaging compounds entering the atmosphere. After more than a decade of international cooperation, the concentration of some of these chemicals in the atmosphere has already started to decline. Curbing the rising production and use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) is one of the last remaining challenges to protect the ozone layer. The parties to the Montreal Protocol have recently adopted an ambitious schedule for accelerated phase out of HCFCs, taking into account linkages and synergies with the climate change mitigation agenda. GEF Response
Phasing out ozone-depleting substances (ODS) is a highly effective means for achieving immediate, and future, global environmental benefits. Consequently, the GEF allocated more than $183 million to projects to phase out ODS, with an additional $188 million of cofinancing. The GEF’s goal is to protect human health and the environment by assisting countries in phasing out consumption and production, and in preventing releases, of ODS while enabling alternative technologies and practices, according to countries’ commitments under the Montreal Protocol. The long-term impact of GEF interventions is to contribute to the return of the ozone layer to pre-1980 ozone levels. The GEF, in partnership with the Montreal Protocol of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, has previously funded projects that enable the Russian Federation and nations in Eastern Europe and central Asia to phase out their use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, and carbon tetrachloride (CTC). The GEF has also supported these countries in phasing out the use of methyl bromide. Under the latest round of funding, GEF work is focused on phasing out HCFCs. The GEF has helped these 18 countries meet their treaty obligations. These countries have achieved over 99 percent reduction in their consumption of ozone-depleting substances, phasing out some 296,000 tons, including 20,000 tons directly targeted by GEF projects. GEF-supported interventions to phase out ozone depleting substances have also contributed to other agreements related to chemicals, such as the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), as well as to the general sound management of chemicals. Programs and policies to manage ODS, such as trade and licensing, for example, can be harnessed to manage POPs, and vice versa. Specific technologies suitable for the destruction of CFCs, moreover, are also suitable for the destruction of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). In addition, substantial links exist to the climate change focal area, including the Energy-Efficient Buildings and Energy Efficiency in Industry strategic programs. GEF projects in these strategic programs can support the phase-out of HCFCs used in chillers and refrigerators, used in the food processing industry, for example. Priorities and Projects
The current GEF priorities include a mix of projects for building the technical and institutional capacity to eliminate remaining ODS. Investments will be integrated with energy efficiency interventions supported under the climate change focal area to maximize combined benefits from reducing ODS and greenhouse gases. The countries of Central Asia are principally targeted for activities that strengthen institutions that control ODS. Countries are expected to demonstrate a willingness to continue support for those institutions and a willingness to adopt the policies necessary for long-term sustainability of GEF-supported interventions. Activities to enable compliance and reporting are also supported. Education and training activities are also a priority, including the dissemination of experiences and promotion of regional cooperation. Where possible, projects and activities will be designed to integrate with a country’s framework for the sound management of chemicals. This will also help GEF partner countries ensure that any residual amounts of CFCs used or produced are phased out according to expectations. Methyl Bromide is a toxic chemical used to control a broad spectrum of pests in soil, agricultural and forest commodities, and structures. In the early 1990s, scientists identified methyl bromide as one of the substances that depletes the ozone layer. Because it is an excellent fumigant, however, it is difficult to substitute for some applications; hence, it continues to be used, although many countries have made progress finding substitutes and replacing common usages of methyl bromide. Because it so dangerous, methyl bromide is being phased out as part of the Montreal Protocol. Fortunately, phasing out methyl bromide offers multiple benefits for agriculture, the environment, and human health, since carefully chosen alternative techniques can be cost- effective, protect the ozone layer, and improve worker safety. The GEF is helping a number of CEITs successfully reach the Montreal Protocol goal of total methyl bromide phase out. The Montreal Protocol mandates a target of 75 percent consumption phase-out of HCFCs by 2010. Although most countries are on target, some countries in the region would require assistance in meeting it. For investments to phase out HCFCs, preference will be given to low-GHG technologies and substitutes to reduce the overall emissions of halogenated gases. Looking forward, GEF assistance may be needed to help some eligible countries to meet the 2015 HCFC 90 percent consumption phase-out step, as well as to address any new strengthening of obligations that the parties might adopt, for example, regarding previously exempted uses. |