16 July 2009: The Ozone Secretariat convened a workshop on the management and destruction of ozone-depleting substance (ODS) banks and the implications for climate change on 13 July 2009, followed by a workshop for a dialogue on high global warming potential alternatives to ODS on 14 July 2009. Both meetings were held in Geneva, Switzerland, in advance of the 29th meeting of the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG-29) to the Montreal Protocol, which is taking place from 15-18 July 2009.

The workshops considered a proposal, submitted jointly by the Federated States of Micronesia and Mauritius (UNEP/OzL.Pro.WG.1/29/8), to amend the Montreal Protocol to include destruction of ODS banks and a phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Both workshops were attended by ozone and climate change negotiators, as well as UNFCCC and Ozone Secretariat staff, and provided an opportunity for open dialogue and information exchange.
At the workshop on ODS banks, discussions addressed: the size of ODS banks; the climate benefits of disposing of banks; efforts needed to access and destroy the banks; costs associated with the management and disposal of banks; and the viability and accessibility of options to address banks at the national and international levels.
At the dialogue on high global warming potential alternatives to ODS, participants agreed that the Montreal Protocol should continue to consider contributing to climate change mitigation, and options for phasing down HFCs should be kept open. Delegates also highlighted that strategies under the Montreal Protocol must be compatible with the climate regime and the outcome of the Copenhagen meeting.
Delegates at OEWG-29 are considering the Montreal Protocol amendment proposal in two contact groups on ODS banks and on addressing HFCs under the Montreal Protocol. [IISD RS sources] [IISD RS meeting coverage] [Mauritius and Federated States of Micronesia amendment proposal]