The 46th meeting of the Open-ended Working Group (OEWG) of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol convened in Montreal from July 8 to 12, 2024, addressing crucial issues related to ozone depletion and climate change.
The discussions, based on assessment panel reports, centered around whether the Montreal Protocol should expand to include the impact of Very Short-Lived Substances (VSLSs) on the ozone layer. Countries like Canada, the US, Australia, and the EU advocate for including VSLSs due to their potential impact. However, China and Russia oppose, citing insufficient evidence and predominant use of VSLSs as feedstock without atmospheric emissions.
Delegates reviewed the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel (TEAP) report on reclamation technologies, focusing on the high costs and feasibility, especially for high ambient temperature and low-volume consuming countries. The replenishment of the Multilateral Fund for 2024-2026, estimated at around USD 1 billion, was a significant agenda item, highlighting its importance for supporting developing countries in meeting Protocol obligations.
Enhanced global and regional monitoring of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) was extensively debated, with emphasis on sustainable funding sources. The EU-funded Pilot project Steering Committee recommended a new monitoring site in Brazil to fill an observational gap in South America. A contact group will further this initiative.
Discussions also covered the USD 100 million Multilateral Fund to finance energy efficiency projects alongside HFC phase-down, crucial for high ambient temperature countries transitioning to efficient refrigeration and air conditioning technologies. Additionally, the EU proposal on transitioning to low-GWP propellants in metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) was discussed, with varying levels of interest and readiness concerns.
The event's plenary sessions were complemented by various side events. Incoming IIR General Director, Yosr Allouche, contributed significantly to events organized by AREA and Centro Studi Galileo, discussing "Building National Capacity in Refrigeration" and "Refrigeration and Sustainability: Pathways to Emissions Mitigation."
