industry and environment - DTIE

Chemicals management
Softening the strategy: dependence on
transitional chemicals
Under the Protocol, production and consumption
of hydrofluorcarbons (HCFCs), which have a
lower ozone depletion potential (ODP) than
CFCs, has been permitted for a longer period than
in the case of CFCs. This has allowed more time
for the development and commercialization of
zero-ODP technologies. HCFC use continues to
grow, particularly in developing countries. While
consumption of HCFCs has a marginal impact on
ozone layer recovery, its impact on climate change
may not be marginal in view of these chemicals’
global warming potential. The final phase-out of
HCFCs is scheduled for 2040.
number of countries
200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
Figure 1
Progressive ratification of the Montreal Protocol
Ozone-friendly – yes, but climate-friendly?
Hydrofluorcarbons (HFCs) have emerged as zero-
ODP alternatives to CFCs. However, they possess
very high global warming potential. Use of this
family of chemicals solves one environmental
problem, but presents another.
Protect the ozone layer – yes, but what will be
the impacts on agricultural production?
2005 was the year for phase-out of methyl bromide
in industrialized countries. This ODS is a
fumigant used to improve crop yield and for postharvest
protection and quarantine treatments.
Because of the lower efficacy of methyl bromide
alternatives, a large number of exemptions (“critical-use
exemptions”) have been granted to developed
countries. During negotiations, many
considered that such exemptions dilute governments’
commitments under the Protocol. Many
alternatives to methyl bromide, even if they are
zero-ODP, are more toxic than this chemical.
Strict environmental regimes encourage
illegal trade of chemicals
The more stringent the controls, the more active
the ODS smugglers are. A steep tax on ODS in
the United States resulted in higher market prices.
This stimulated the introduction of relatively less
expensive alternatives, but also provided incentives
to smugglers and resulted in an increase in
illegal ODS trade. Training of customs officials
and border police has helped to arrest this trend,
but the challenge remains. 12
The new generation of ozone depleting
chemicals
As the race to phase out ODS has continued, alternative
chemicals such as bromochloromethane
and n-propyl bromide (nPB) have emerged. These
substances have been assessed as having ODP. Policy-makers
consider that “prior assessment” may
prevent the emergence of a new generation of
ozone depleting chemicals.
Lessons from the Protocol’s implementation
Since the purpose of the Montreal Protocol is to
protect the stratospheric ozone layer, it falls into the
“atmosphere cluster” category. It also falls into the
“chemical cluster” category since activities aimed at
meeting its objectives entail chemicals management.
Policy- and decision-makers in governments
CFC consumption (thousands ODP tonnes)
20
0
1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
Source: Ozone Secretariat web site at http://www.unep.org/ozone/index.asp
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
Figure 2
World CFC consumption trend, 1986-2002 14
1986 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
Source: Article 7 data reported by the Parties to the Ozone Secretariat (aggregated by OzonAction)
ODP tonnes
140,000
120,000
100,000
80,000
60,000
40,000
20,000
Non-Article 5 countries
Article 5 countries
Total
Figure 3
Phase-out of ODS consumption through Multilateral Fund projects,
by year of actual completion
0
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
Source: Inventory of projects funded by the Multilateral Fund for the implementation of the Montreal Protocol
UNEP Industry and Environment April – September 2004 ◆ 25