Gulf countries raised points on the availability of technology and finance for phasing out HFCs
The second day of the 35th Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol kicked off with countries voicing their difficulties in phasing out hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).
Some of the participants said that they were experiencing difficulties with the current phase out obligation of HCFCs, and hence it would be difficult for them to have a combined HCFC and hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) phase out. The reasons cited by the countries were lack of adequate technology and financial crunch.
These points were particularly raised by Gulf countries. Saudi Arabia led the series of interventions against amendments in HFC phase out. Other West Asian countries echoed the stand taken by Saudi Arabia.
The US tried to get the countries back to the negotiation table saying that the amendment proposal has been altered to show concern about developing countries. This includes making a different baseline—the starting points of making reductions.
The West Asian member nations, however, said they would consider the phase out of HFCs flexible in those sectors that do not have technology. The Technology and Economic Assessment Panel (TEAP) can set up a periodic review other than the one they already conduct where they could show the availability of technology with respect to country-specific challenges.
Australia also alluded to the importance of demonstration projects on alternative technology as a measure to build confidence in the Parties.
Apart from West Asian nations, some other countries also voiced concerns on the effect on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). According to these countries, they underwent a tough conversion with the accelerated phase out of HFC in 2007. After that the 2009 HFC amendment was tabled at a time when they had barely come to terms with the first set of conversion.
Kuwait intervened saying that it was happy with the kind of support from the Multilateral Fund (MF) and this concern was echoed by a few other developing countries.
Later in the day, talks were held regarding a conference room paper put up by some African nations. However, as it was related to the regulation of HFCs, mainly the Gulf countries were up in arms against it. Instead of debating the substance and the content of the paper, the countries repeated their old stance on financial and technical problems. These countries seem reluctant to bring the HFC phase out issue under the Montreal Protocol.
One of the reasons for this may be due to the reporting requirements they will be subject to under the Montreal Protocol. Under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) regime, developing countries do not have any obligation to share reports about HFCs.
The way ahead
The last session discussed the way ahead but, some countries had problems with considering the conference room paper under the way-ahead agenda, as it presumes that the nations had given some level of consent to HFC management which is a far cry from reality.
The actual way ahead will be the Paris OEWG to be held in July this year. Last year in November, we had reported on the informal discussions that took place at the Paris Meeting of the Parties, but given that there are new conference room papers and amendment proposals, an informal group would help take a step forward.
It is likely that Kuwait is likely to put forth an amendment proposal on HFC mitigation. The way ahead lies when countries say there must be discussions on this issue in a formal manner through a contact group. There is no reason why the process of discussion through a formal contact group must stall, as there is no reason to postpone the decisions. It is only through discussions that we will find solutions.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.