ISLAMABAD: Jean Francois Cautain Ambassador of European Union gave a courtesy call to Federal Minister for Climate change Zahid Hamid to discuss the mid July Montreal Protocol meetings in Vienna.
Montreal Protocol on the Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (MP) was signed in 1987 under the auspices of United Nations. The Protocol has ultimate objective of elimination of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS). Pakistan signed the Montreal Protocol in 1992 and is fully committed to its international obligations.
Since 1992, Pakistan has successfully implemented various ODS phase out programs. The most prominent of these programs were those of phasing out chlorofluorocarbons (CFC), carbon tetrachloride (CTC), Halons, methyl bromide and phasing out of CFCs from Metered Dose Inhalers (MDIs). So far, 100% phase out target of these ODS has been achieved by Pakistan in 2010.
The Montreal Protocol has a rolling fund (The Multilateral Fund) that pays for the agreed incremental costs for shifting over CFC’s and now H-CFCs to alternative. In October 2015 in Dubai, the parties reached a consensus that there will be an HFC amendment this year
“The lack of economical alternative options to developing countries, the phasing out of ODS should be gradual and supported by financial assistance, suggested by the Federal Minister.
“The developing countries should not be financially burdened under any proposed amendment in upcoming meetings on Montreal Protocol in Vienna”, said by the Federal Minister for Climate Change.
“Pakistan has achieved 100% phase out target of these ODS in 2010”, highlighted by the Federal Minister Zahid Hamid.
“From 2011, Ministry of Climate Change is phasing out Hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). There is no indigenous production of HCFCs. Instead, Pakistan imports these ODS to meet the industrial requirements”, informed by the Federal Minister.
“It is great pride for Pakistan that at the 76th meeting of the Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund held 9-13 May, 2016 in Montreal, the second stage of the HCFC Phase-out Management Plan for Pakistan was approved with a total funding of US$ 5.68 million. The plan is very ambitious and forward-looking and will enable Pakistan to reduce its consumption of HCFCs by 50% in 2020”, informed by the Federal Minister for Climate Change
The ambassador assured to extend its support and help to Pakistan in upcoming meetings on Montreal Protocol in mid July.