10 October 2016: The resumed session of the 38th Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG 38) of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer concluded the work of the Contact Group on the Feasibility and Ways of Managing Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). The Contact Group on HFCs will continue during the 28th Meeting of the Parties (MOP 28), which aims to adopt an amendment to the Montreal Protocol to phase down HFCs.

In a press release, UN Environment (UNEP) explained that HFCs are powerful greenhouse gases (GHGs) that are used as substitutes for ozone-depleting substances (ODS). An agreement on their management could prevent a global temperature rise of up to half a degree Celsius by the end of the century, while also continuing to protect the ozone layer, it notes.

The resumed OEWG 38 met in Kigali, Rwanda, on 8 October 2016. The Contact Group on HFCs resumed discussions on issues related to proposed amendments to the Protocol, including calculation of baselines and commencement years for any freezes and reduction steps, but did not reach any decisions on the proposed amendments. The Group decided to create a legal drafting group to begin drafting text for an amendment on HFCs, which is expected to begin its work at the commencement of MOP 28. MOP 28 runs from 10-14 October 2016, and includes a high-level segment from 13-14 October.

In advance of the meetings, high-level leaders from over 100 countries convened to announce the formation of a coalition for the adoption of an ambitious amendment on HFCs. The meeting took place on 22 September 2016, in New York, US, and was hosted by US Secretary of State John Kerry. At the event, donor countries and philanthropists announced US$80 million in commitments to implement an amendment and improve energy efficiency. [IISD RS Coverage of Resumed OEWG 38 and MOP 28] [UN Environment Press Release] [IISD RS Story on Coalition to Secure an Ambitious HFC Amendment]