- South Africa headed by Bernice Swarts, Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, recently participated in the 36th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (MOP 36) in Bangkok, Thailand.
The Montreal Protocol, established in 1987, is a landmark global treaty aimed at protecting the ozone layer by phasing out ozone-depleting substances (ODS). Despite the Protocol’s successes, some ODS replacements, specifically hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), have emerged as potent greenhouse gases, some over a thousand times more powerful than carbon dioxide in driving climate change.
At MOP 36, South Africa reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating ozone-depleting substances.
“Central to our approach is our belief in the Montreal Protocol as a highly effective framework for reducing ODS while offering significant co-benefits for global climate health. We celebrated the recent decision to allocate $1 billion to the Multilateral Fund to help developing nations meet their Protocol obligations, showcasing the international community’s dedication to this critical cause”, said Swarts.
“As one of Africa’s most industrialised nations, South Africa recognises its role as a leader in climate action. Our national action plan emphasises transitioning the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) sector towards greener refrigerants and energy-efficient systems. This shift is directly aligned with global climate goals, creating jobs and enhancing sustainability within South Africa’s industrial landscape. By managing refrigerants effectively, we can contribute to reducing global warming by 0.5°C, proving that industry-specific actions can have impactful climate outcomes,” added Swarts
Swarts added that South Africa is committed to the full life-cycle management of refrigerants, ensuring that substances are properly controlled, recovered, recycled, or reclaimed. South Africa has also made significant progress in phasing out methyl bromide, a highly ozone-depleting substance, showcasing our commitment to long-term environmental sustainability.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
