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Enhancing the Climate Mitigation Benefits of the Ozone Treaty
Over the last 20 years, the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer has served to eliminate the production and consumption of more than 95% of the historic levels of ozone-depleting substances. Many ozone-depleting substances are potent greenhouse gases; thus, the implementation of the Montreal Protocol is projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 11 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2)-equivalent emissions by 2010. As a result, the climate benefits achieved by the Montreal Protocol are five to six times greater than the current reduction target (2008-2012) of the Kyoto Protocol - assuming full compliance.
Parties to the Montreal Protocol have recently embraced the ozone treaty's role in combating climate change. In September 2007, Parties agreed to accelerate the phase-out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) while keeping in mind energy efficiency and climate change objectives. In November 2008, Parties agreed to commence pilot projects for collecting and destroying stockpiles of unwanted chemicals that leak into the atmosphere and contribute to ozone depletion and climate change; start discussions on ways to support reductions in hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a class of chemicals currently controlled under the Kyoto Protocol; and provide U.S. $490 million over three years to assist developing countries meet mandatory commitments to protect the ozone layer, many which will benefit the climate system.
For more information, please visit http://ozone.unep.org
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