The Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) has
released a briefing ahead of the 37th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol (MOP37), calling for urgent action and strengthened measures to support the dual hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) phase-out and hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) phase-down in Article 5 countries during the 2027–2029 triennium.
The EIA emphasises the need for ambitious Kigali Implementation Plans (KIPs) that go beyond minimum compliance, warning that current HFC baselines—often influenced by past HCFC stockpiling—do not reflect actual consumption needs. To ensure real reductions in HFC use, the organisation advocates integrating KIPs with the final stages of HCFC Phase-Out Management Plans (HPMPs) and supporting the uptake of ultra-low GWP natural refrigerants.
The agency also highlights significant data gaps in global HFC-23 emissions. While atmospheric measurements show a modest decline from peak levels, emissions remain much higher than those reported. The EIA cites discrepancies between measured emissions and national reports—especially in regions like eastern China and Russia—as evidence of under-reporting and calls for expanded regional atmospheric monitoring and a standardised methodology for emission reporting.
Concerns are raised over the continued use of controlled substances as feedstocks, with recent data showing record levels of HCFC-22 and CFC production for this purpose. The EIA recommends revisiting the long-standing feedstock exemption under the Protocol, citing mounting evidence that feedstock use contributes significantly to emissions of ozone-depleting substances and their by-products.
The report supports enhanced funding modalities under the Multilateral Fund (MLF), including for pilot projects on refrigerant bank disposal, natural refrigerant demonstration projects, and regional monitoring. It also backs the draft decision by Rwanda and the United Kingdom to explore the role of regional centres of excellence in Kigali Amendment implementation.
Highlighting the threat posed by nitrous oxide (N2O)—now the most significant ozone-depleting substance by volume—the EIA urges the Montreal Protocol’s scientific panels to assess N2O emissions and identify control measures, especially for industrial sources.
“The Montreal Protocol must demonstrate multilateralism at its best and uphold the principles of fairness and equity,” the EIA stated, urging Parties to act decisively in the face of rising emissions, under-reporting and climate risks.
