The Montreal Protocol has, in the past, already bought the world the equivalent of decades-worth of CO2 emissions. In the future, the world has a convenient opportunity to address an inconvenient truth. Dramatically cutting HCFCs emissions -nearly 2000 times more potent Greenhouse Gases ( GHGs) than CO2,-and improving the energy efficiency of air-conditioning and refrigeration appliances that use them is "..the key to catalyzing a transition to a low carbon , resource efficient Green Economy" according to Achim Steiner , United Nations Under Secretary General and Executive Director of UNEP.

While the opportunity to achieve climate benefit appears to be a 'low hanging fruit', the 'JumpStart' to pick those fruits poses a significant challenge as most HFCs, which are are popular alternatives for HCFCs are also potent GHGs. The EU has adopted a regulatory framework aimed at reducing emissions of HFCs. "This policy is widely acknowledged as a global model that leads to more responsible management of the substances.." according to Marianne Wenning, Head of Unit ENV C.4 of the European Commission.

This information and knowledge-exchange is just one of the tools of responsible management of Ozone Depleting Substances with the objective to achieve 'low hanging' climate benefit.

Rajendra Shende, Head OzonAction, UNEP DTIE

Contact: UNEP DTIE OzonAction 15 rue de Milan, 75441 Paris CEDEX 09, France ozonaction@unep.org