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30 August 2012 Vol. XII

In this Issue: 1. Leading International Scientists Meet to Discuss the Arctic Hole and New Findings on Ozone and Climate Change 2. WMO Antarctic Ozone Bulletin no. 1 - 2012 3. NGO Partners Reinforce Urgency of Climate and Clean Air Coalition’s Call-to-Action 4. Customs Officers Go Green 5. Penny Wise and Pound-Foolish: Reducing Ozone Science When We Need it Most 6. US Approval Opens the Way for Adoption of HFO Blowing Agent 7. Research Shows the Sun's Rays are Getting Stronger (+03’:11” video) 8. Cylinders Must be Refillable (Canada) 9. Jamaica to Cut Importation of HCFCs 10. US$9.6m Distributed to 17 Industries to Phase out HCFCs 11. Sri Lanka to Phase-out Production of Hydrochlorofluorocarbons Under 12. First Chinese Safety Standard for Cold Stores 13. DuPont Completes Successful Action against Counterfeiting in United Arab Emirates 14. Russia - Zero Import Quota for All HCFCs in 2012 15. Montreal Protocol Olympics for Customs & Enforcement Officers – Ozone Protection Medals for China, European Union, Finland, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia FYR, Russia, Serbia and Uzbekistan 16. $2,620,000 GEF Grant for HCFC Phase Out & HFC-free Promotion in Azerbaijan

25th Anniversary Montreal Protocol Global Video Competition Were you born on or after the historic date in September, 1987, when nations of the world came together to protect the endangered ? If so, you have a chance to create a short video about this remarkable environmental achievement - and win attractive prizes including a trip to Geneva! The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is launching a global video competition for young people to produce a very short video on the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, which celebrates its 25th anniversary in September this year. The videos should highlight – in an engaging manner – any aspect of the Montreal Protocol and how its implementation has helped protect all life on Earth. It can focus on the local, regional or global levels. The videos must be posted to OzonAction’s YouTube website at www.youtube.com/ozonaction by 15 October 2012. >> Competition details and criteria

See also >> ―2012 Ozone Day‖ a Special OzonAction Webpage, dedicated to worldwide celebrations bit.ly/NnhK52

25th Anniversary of the Montreal Protocol on Facebook: www.facebook.com/my.ozone.day

-- SHARE YOUR OZONE DAY PHOTOS WITH EVERYONE --

GLOBAL 1- Leading International Scientists Meet to Discuss the Arctic Ozone Hole and New Findings on Ozone and Climate Change TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Aug. 27, 2012) - The first Canadian meeting of the Quadrennial Ozone Symposium [27-31 August 2012] opened today in Toronto, bringing leading scientists from more than 30 countries together to discuss recent findings on the ozone layer. This will be the first major ozone science meeting following the discovery of an ozone hole in the high Arctic in the spring of 2011. The Arctic ozone hole, which has similarities with the ozone hole over the South Pole and Antarctica, has given a new sense of urgency to international research and suggests the possibility that climate change could compromise the recovery of the ozone layer. Notable attendees include: Dr. Gloria Manney, the lead author of paper reporting the first-ever arctic ozone hole; Prof. Tom McElroy, an inventor of the UV Index, now in use in 25 countries; Bob Evans, operator of South Pole ozone observatory at the US Amundsen-Scott Antarctic base; Dr. Richard Stolarski, formerly of the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, a pioneer in ozone research; and Prof. James Drummond the Principal behind the PEARL arctic laboratory and CANDAC, the Canadian Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Change. The Symposium, which is the flagship meeting of the international ozone science community, is being held under the auspices of the International Ozone Commission (IOC) -- the global scientific authority on ozone science -- and hosted by the Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society, York University and the University of Toronto. Canada is a world leader in ozone science, with more than five decades of study of the Arctic atmosphere and a research program that began in the 1930s. Notable Canadian achievements include the development of the world's most accurate ozone-measuring instrument and the creation of the UV Index. Additional information: http://www.cmos.ca/QOS2012 SOURCE: Market Wire, 27 August 2012, http://alturl.com/t5bwq

2- WMO Antarctic Ozone Bulletin no. 1 - 2012 The Secretariat of the World Meteorological Organization issues bulletins containing information on the state of the ozone layer in the Antarctic at roughly two week intervals from August to November. The bulletins are based on data provided by WMO Members which operate ozone monitoring stations in the southern hemisphere and to observe ozone globally.

Executive Summary: The daily minimum temperatures at the 50 hPa level have been close to or below the 1979-2011 average since April. In July and August the minimum temperature has been below the long term mean but relatively warm compared to recent years. The average temperature over the 60-90°S region has been quite close to or below the long-term mean until the middle of August. The last few days the mean temperature has risen sharply. So far in August the mean temperature has been higher than at the same time in 2009 and 2011, yet colder than in 2010, when there was a relative important warming in July and August. Since the onset of NAT temperatures in mid May the NAT area was close to or above the 1979-2011 average until mid July. The NAT area reached a peak above 25 million km2 on 12 July. After that the NAT area has stayed well below the 1979-2011 average, but is close to average since mid August. The NAT volume has been close to or below the 1979-2011 average throughout the winter. From early July the PSC volume has been significantly lower than the long-term mean and also below the 1979-2011 minimum on some days in mid July. During May and June the 45-day mean of the heat flux was lower than or close to the 1979-2011 average. Since early July, the heat flux increased somewhat and has remained larger than the 1979-2011 average until now (19 August). At the altitude of ~18 km the vortex is now almost entirely depleted of hydrochloric acid (HCl), one of the reservoir gases that can be transformed to active chlorine. The area affected by HCl removal is similar in 2012 to recent years (2009-2011). In the sunlit collar along the vortex edge there are regions with 1.5-1.8 ppbv of active chlorine (chlorine monoxide, ClO), and has just started. In 2012 the vortex seems somewhat more activated than in 2010, but less activated than in 2009 and 2011. observations show that the area where total ozone is less than 220 DU (―ozone hole area‖) has been significantly above zero for a few days only. The ozone hole area is similar to the one in 2011, larger than in 2010, but smaller than in 2009 at this time of the year. However, the onset of ozone depletion varies considerably from one year to the next, depending on the position of the polar vortex and availability of daylight after the polar night. Measurements with ground based instruments and with balloon sondes show first signs of ozone depletion at some sites located close to the vortex edge. In this issue data are reported from the following stations: Dôme Concordia, Dumont d‘Urville, Marambio, Neumayer, Rothera, South Pole, Syowa, Vernadsky and Zhongshan. As the sun returns to Antarctica after the polar night ozone destruction will speed up. It is still too early to give a definitive statement about the development of this year's ozone hole and the degree of ozone loss that will occur. This will, to a large extent, depend on the meteorological conditions. However, the temperature conditions and the extent of polar stratospheric clouds so far this year indicate that the degree of ozone loss will be smaller than in 2011 but probably somewhat larger than in 2010, which was a year of a relatively perturbed vortex. WMO and the scientific community will use ozone observations from the ground, from balloons and from satellites together with meteorological data to keep a close eye on the development during the coming weeks and months. Questions regarding the scientific content of this Bulletin should be addressed to Geir O. Braathen, [email protected] SOURCE: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO), http://alturl.com/8ab7y

3- NGO Partners Reinforce Urgency of Climate and Clean Air Coalition’s Call-to-Action Paris, 27 August 2012 – The urgent need to mitigate emissions of short-lived climate to protect human health and the environment now, and slow the rate of climate change expected by 2050, has prompted five leading non-government institutions to add their weight to a growing global Coalition. The Clean Air Task Force, ClimateWorks Foundation, the Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development (IGSD), the International Council on Clean Transportation and the International Cryosphere Climate Initiative are the latest partners admitted to the Climate and Clean Air Coalition to Reduce Short- Lived Climate Pollutants (CCAC).

It brings to 27 the number of partners who have joined the voluntary partnership since its launch in February 2012.

The addition of these five respected non-government organization (NGO) partners is seen as a significant step in broadening the membership, reach and voice of the Coalition which aims to catalyze major reductions in black carbon (or ), and some (HFCs) – or ―short-lived climate pollutants‖ – from sectors such as brick production, the diesel transport sector, and oil and natural gas production. Compelling scientific evidence indicates that fast action to reduce these pollutants, especially methane and black carbon, has the potential to slow down the warming expected in the first half of this century by as much as 0.5°C, as well as prevent over two million premature deaths each year and avoid annual crop losses of over 30 million tonnes.

The IGSD has also been selected as the first non-government representative on the newly formed CCAC Steering Committee. ―This ground-breaking Coalition has the potential to catalyze fast action to help the people who need it the most, and IGSD is honoured to represent the NGO partners in this endeavour,‖ a Senior Advisor to the IGSD and former Secretary for Environment and Sustainable Development for Argentina, Romina Picolotti, said. ―Reducing these climate pollutants not only harmonizes development and climate concerns but it‘s also critical for protecting the world‘s most vulnerable regions and people, particularly women and children, from the worst impacts of climate change,‖ Ms Picolotti said…. Read more Contact: Julie Marks, CCAC Secretariat, UNEP +33 1 44 37 14 21, [email protected] SOURCE: CCAC Press Release 27 August 2012, http://alturl.com/vm3rs

AFRICA

4- Customs Officers Go Green Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe: 7-9 August 2012, A Green Customs Initiative workshop for Southern Africa neighboring countries (Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe) was held in Zimbabwe to enlighten, equip and train customs officers on combating illegal international trade on environmentally sensitive commodities, such as ozone depleting substances, toxic chemicals, hazardous wastes and endangered species.

Delegates at the Green Customs Initiative Workshop in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Illegal trade is an issue that affects most Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) that have trade components, and this Green Customs Initiative workshop was organised with the aim of strengthening compliance and enforcement of MEAs through integrated capacity building for customs officers within the MEA enforcement chain, and providing them with training that covers several MEAs. This year, as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, we are reminded of this exemplary success of a Multilateral Environmental Agreement implemented in response to a major global environmental threat where customs officers are trained on how to detect and combat illegal trade in Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS). They are also equipped with knowledge, skills and tools to detect mislabeled and concealed consignments of ODS. However, illegal trade in ozone-depleting substances as well as products / equipment containing or relying on ODS has been and continues to be a serious concern for many parties to the Montreal Protocol. Customs and border protection officers constitute the front line of every country's defense against trans- boundary illegal trade. They are the first link in the ―compliance and enforcement chain‖, and without adequate capacity to prevent or detect illegal trade, the rest of the chain will be considerably less effective. Building the capacity of these officers is therefore vital if MEAs are to be successful. In her opening remarks, Mrs. Florence Nhekairo, Zimbabwe‘s Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources gave an insight of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), the on trans-boundary movement of and their disposal and the on the prior informed consent for certain hazardous substances in international trade as other MEAs where customs officers need to enforce trade control provisions. These MEAs aim to control cross border movements of harmful chemicals and waste, she explained. In his remarks, Mr. Patrick Salifu, UNEP Regional Policy and Enforcement officer for Africa-OzonAction CAP, recognized the important role played by customs officers in ensuring compliance with MEAs. As part of UNEP‘s role as an implementing agency of the multilateral fund for the implementation of the Montreal Protocol, UNEP has designed and delivered national and regional customs training workshops in partnership with National Ozone Units, He stated. In his concluding remarks, Mr. Salifu reiterated that ODS smuggling reduces the incentives for users to shift to alternatives as well as supplying energy-efficient alternative technologies using ozone- and climate- friendly refrigerants. Thus, it undermines the achievements of the Montreal Protocol and its amendments. This workshop therefore strengthened the capacity of customs officers in implementation of various conventions and agreements on environmental crime including incorporation of MEAs into the customs training curricula for ; created a network of information and exchange of data between different structures for the implementation of MEAs; and encouraged customs officers to enroll for e-learning. On 22 May, 2012 an Ozone Protection award for Customs & Enforcement Officers was launched to provide an incentive and recognition to customs and enforcement officers, who succeed in preventing illegal trade in ozone depleting substance and ozone depleting substance equipment. This green customs initiative training therefore came in handy as it enhanced the customs officers‘ capacity in detecting and acting on illegal trade in environmentally-sensitive items covered by the related agreements, as well as assisting them in the facilitation of legal trade in these items. Contact: Patrick Salifu, Regional Policy and Enforcement Officer, CAP/UNEP/ROA/ Ozone Unit, [email protected]

NORTH AMERICA 5- Penny Wise and Pound-Foolish: Reducing Ozone Science When We Need it Most Would it make sense to ask a doctor to examine a patient, but take away their stethoscope? That is what the Canadian government is asking scientists to do when it comes to ‗examining‘ the ozone layer. Many assume that the ozone problem was fixed in the 1980s. In reality, the annual Antarctic ozone hole keeps reappearing at near record sizes and last year, for the first time, scientists reported an ozone hole over the Arctic. As the first ozone hole appeared in the northern hemisphere last year, Environment Canada decided to drastically reduce its ozone science and monitoring program. It closed several of Canada‘s 17 ozone monitoring stations, stations which have provided the longest-running record of ozone levels in the world. They are about one-third of the Arctic ozone measurements. In this penny wise and pound-foolish cost-saving measure, Environment Canada argues that satellite imagery and data collection are sufficient. History says otherwise. In 1985, the British Antarctic Survey discovered the Antarctic ozone hole through routine ground level ozone monitoring, conducted to measure the density of the ozone layer. NASA‘s atmospheric scientists say satellite imagery had missed the near total depletion of the ozone layer over Antarctica. Satellite imagery and data collection did not — and cannot — give a complete picture of the stratospheric ozone layer because of the angle of the sun‘s light over the Arctic and Antarctic. Ground level ozone monitoring is essential to cross-reference the satellite data and provide a full understanding of it. In-situ measurements are essential for validating satellite measurements, asserts Johannes Staehelin, chair of the World Meteorological Organization‘s ozone science advisory group. Following the alarming discovery of the Antarctic ozone hole, many governments signed the Montreal Protocol. It implemented a gradual phase-out regime of major ozone depleting chemicals used in , refrigerants, insulation foam propellants, fire retardants and agricultural fumigants. With every country in the world signed on, the 1987 Montreal Protocol is still recognized as the most successful international environmental treaty to date. It was successful because it was based in the most accurate and complete scientific data available, and has put the ozone layer on the track to potential recovery. But to ensure that and remain vigilant, we need exact ozone science. Closures in the ozone monitoring program may ―lead to an erosion of the Montreal Protocol, which obliges Arctic countries to monitor the ozone layer and maintain scientific ozone research,‖ says Markus Rex, a former atmospheric scientist and now with the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research. Last month, Harvard University scientists confirmed a further link between climate change and ozone layer depletion. Their study states that more intense storms, caused by global warming, via convection, thrust water vapor far higher into the stratosphere than previously thought possible. This creates atmospheric conditions which could lead to further, substantial ozone loss, making the connection between global warming and further ozone layer depletion more apparent (if not yet fully understood). With the biggest Arctic footprint in the world, Canada is asserting its sovereignty over it, while significantly reducing science‘s stethoscope to monitor the state of the ozone layer above it. Canada‘s ozone-monitoring network has collected key in situ data used all over the world showing the unprecedented depletion of stratospheric ozone over the Arctic in 2011. Closures within the Canadian ozone-monitoring network are ―devastating for the whole field‖ says Tom Duck, an atmospheric researcher at Dalhousie University. On the 25th anniversary of the Montreal Protocol, top ozone scientists from around the world are gathering in Toronto this week for the Quadrennial Ozone Symposium in Toronto. Many will tell Canadian Environment Minister, Peter Kent that closing these vital stations is scientifically unwarranted and incomprehensible, and that their continued operation must be secure, even as the fate of the remaining ozone network remains uncertain. SOURCE: The Star, 28 August 2012, By: Sultan Latif, Consultant Greenpeace USA and Janos Mate, Senior consultant Greenpeace International. http://bit.ly/SPFs9Z

6- US Approval Opens the Way for Adoption of HFO Blowing Agent US: Final approval from US authorities has paved the way for Honeywell's new HFO-based Solstice LBA to be adopted by Whirlpool in the insulation of all its US-manufactured . Whirlpool Corporation is the first manufacturer in the US committed to incorporating this new class of blowing agents into its products. In Europe, Solstice LBA registration under REACH is in progress. With a GWP of under 7 and a near drop-in replacement for HFC blowing agents, it also offers cost benefits and is non-flammable, providing safety advantages over blowing agents. Whirlpool's decision to use the new blowing agent follows final approval from the US Environmental Protection Agency under its Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) programme. Honeywell Solstice LBA (formerly known as HBA-2) is said to offer an 8-10% improvement in efficiency over refrigerators tested with hydrocarbon blown foam insulation, and a 2% improvement over 245fa, currently the most widely-used foam blowing agent in the US. SOURCE: ACR news, 19 - August – 2012, http://alturl.com/eagpo

7- Research Shows the Sun's Rays are Getting Stronger (+03’:11” video) Experts with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research say the ozone layer isn't providing as much protection from the sun as it used to. The ozone layer, which helps protect us from ultra violet rays, is depleting and that means the harmful rays are becoming more powerful. "It's hard to say how much more is being received at the surface of the earth, but it's definitely a serious problem," said Elliot Drobetsky, who is a professor at the University of Montreal. The Canadian Cancer Society says non-melanoma skin cancer rates have tripled since the 1960s, while the rate of the more dangerous melanoma form of skin cancer has increased by 15 times. "Lots of people like to believe that it's not going to happen to them or that they really do want to have that tan or that glow, which of course is skin damage," says Kira Moshtaghi Nai of the Canadian Cancer Society Despite the dangers, it's tough to find people complaining about the weather this summer in Manitoba. "I‘ve been working indoors most of the time, so when I do have a day off I‘m outside," said Jolanda Kroll, who lives in Brandon. Many Manitobans say they do take precautions before heading outside. "You coat your nose, ears and face a little bit more faithfully than you used to 20 years ago because the sun's rays are definitely more harmful. You notice you get burned quicker, sooner faster it just doesn't take long," said Dave Desautels. Experts recommend watching the UV Index, plan activities before 11:00 a.m. and after 4:00 p.m., find shade and use sunscreen The sun does have its benefits: you can get your daily dose of Vitamin D through expose to sunlight. However, experts say don't overdo it. You only need about 15 to 20 minutes in the sun to get enough Vitamin D. SOURCE: CTV News, August 2012, Josh Crabb, http://alturl.com/935hw

8- Cylinders Must be Refillable If you are planning to purchase a regulated class 1-3 (CFC, HCFC or HFC) in Manitoba, ensure it comes in a refillable cylinder. Under Manitoba‘s Regulation 103/94 (section 18.1(1)) all cylinders must be refillable. MOPIA has found that certain business had in possession non-compliant cylinders. These were sold by at least one or more Manitoba distributors who originally obtained the product from the USA. In parts of the US, this is not a requirement. Often, these refrigerants are sold in cylinders that do not have a ―Core Charge‖ or bottle deposit. In addition, you can sometimes tell if the cylinder is refillable by the type of valve. Be suspicious if the price is well below the typical/general market price too. SOURCE: MOPIA e-Bulletin #19, August 2012, www.mopia.ca

LATIN AMERICA AND CARIBBEAN 9- Jamaica to Cut Importation of HCFCs JAMAICA will next January begin to reduce the importation of an ozone-depleting substance found in some refrigerators and air-conditioning units. Hydro- (HCFCs) are ozone-depleting substances found in and used to service some refrigerators and air-conditioning units used in cars, buildings, homes, and offices. The move to reduce their importation is being made having regard to the island's obligations under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. On June 7, the United Nations Development Programme component of the HCFC Phase Out Management Plan Implementation Project was launched at the Knutsford Court Hotel in Kingston. Presenters included Loreto Duffy-Mayers, project manager of the Caribbean Hotel Energy Efficiency Action (CHENACT) project; Vaughn Morris, director of Seal Sprayed Solutions, which will receive project funds to phase out the use of HCFC in the foam manufacturing sector; and Anderson Alves, regional officer with the United Nations Development Programme. Activities under the project, according to information out of the National Environmental and Planning Agency (NEPA), will help Jamaica meet the first and second HCFC reduction targets, which are: * the freeze in importation of HCFCs on January 1, 2013, at 2009 and 2010 average import levels; and * a 10 per cent reduction in the island's baseline HCFC importation by January 1, 2013. "The move will require importers within the automotive, , and air-conditioning industries to import and use alternatives to HCFCs and equipment that contain the substance," said a release from NEPA. "Consumers will also be encouraged to purchase more "ozone and climate friendly" vehicles, refrigerators, and air-conditioning units." SOURCE: Jamaica Observer, 19 August 2012, http://alturl.com/xirgu

ASIA PACIFIC 10- US$9.6m Distributed to 17 Industries to Phase out HCFCs CYBERJAYA, Aug 28 — A total of US$9.6 million (RM30 million) from the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of Montreal Protocol (MLF) has been distributed to 17 local industries to phase out hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) to meet Malaysia‘s commitment as party to the Montreal Protocol. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Douglas Uggah Embas said the amount was allocated for up to 2015 for the first 10 per cent phase out, for 13 foam manufacturers and four system houses producing polyol, as part of stage 1 HCFCs Phase-Out Management Plan (HPMP). "We have successfully stopped importing (CFC), halon and carbon tetra chloride (CTC) since January 2010. Now is the beginning of our effort to phase out another chemical that poses a threat to the ozone layer, that is, hydrochlorofluorocarbons or HCFCs. "The plan will detail out actions to be taken to phase out the use of HCFCs in foam sectors and servicing in refrigeration and air-conditioning sector," he said at the launch of the implementation of HCFCs Phase-Out Management Plan – Stage 1, here today. Uggah said the technology and alternatives chosen would be of co-benefit to the climate, not only with low ozone depleting potential (ODP) but also with low . He also believed that the successful implementation of the plan will eliminate at least 103 ODP tones of HCFCs from the baseline of about 515 ODP tones. According to him, the new policy also includes establishing approved permit system (AP) and setting quota on import of HCFCs to authorised importers, effective Jan 1, 2013. "There are 24 importers eligible for licence and are given certain amount of import quota based on their three-year track records of imports of HCFCs. "The ban on import of polyol containing HCFC-141b and products containing HCFC-22, such as air- conditioning and refrigeration systems are also recommended to take place as early as 2015 to curb the growth of HCFCs demand especially in servicing sector," he added. He said the most important strategy to be observed is not to allow new investment, new expansion of manufacturing facilities and installation of new systems that use HCFCs, to avoid any non-compliance. His speech was delivered by Deputy Minister Tan Sri Joseph Kurup. Also present were Secretary-General, Datuk Zoal Azha; Director-General of Environment, Halimah Hassan; Chief, Chemical and Montreal Protocol Unit, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) New York, Dr Suely Carvalho; and Regional Coordinator UNDP, Bangkok, Nandan Chirmulay. — Bernama SOURCE: The Malaysian Insider, 28 August 2012, http://alturl.com/8odch

11- Sri Lanka to Phase-out Production of Hydrochlorofluorocarbons Under Montreal Protocol Sri Lanka Government is to initiate regulatory measures to control the import, export and production of the hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) from 1st January 2013 as it is mandatory as a signatory to the Montreal Protocol to completely phase out HCFC from year 2030 Government spokesman Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella told news.lk that the cabinet approved a proposal made by the Minister of Environment, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa to start the control of the import/export and production of HCFCs from next year. "In keeping with the Montreal Protocol, Sri Lanka is obliged to completely phase out chlorofluorocarbon which is widely used in refrigeration and by January 2030" the minister said. Accordingly Cabinet has decided to direct the Controller of Imports and Exports, the regulatory body, to introduce appropriate regulations for the purpose under the provisions of the relevant Act. HCFCs, which is widely used in refrigeration and air conditioning, deplete ozone layer situated about 20-50 kilometers above the earth's surface. The Ozone layer acts as a protective shield and filters the harmful ultra-violet radiation coming from the sun. When Ozone Depleting Substances are released to the atmosphere they destroy the Ozone layer, which would lead to, increasing the risk of having skin cancers, eye cataracts etc. as well as global climate change. SOURCE: News LK, 25 August 2012, http://alturl.com/97ch7

12- First Chinese Safety Standard for Cold Stores The ―Safety Code for Cold Stores‖ (GB 28009-2011) was recently announced by the General Administration of Quality, Inspection and Quarantine of P.R. China and Standardization Administration of China, according to the China Refrigeration Administration (CRA), who helped draft the standard. The codes should enter into force in December 2012 and set out detailed safety rules and principles for cold storage design, construction, operation and maintenance management and provide a series of requirements that apply to cold store personnel. The standard applies both to direct and indirect refrigeration systems using and HFCs as refrigerants and provides specific indications concerning the handling of ammonia systems. These clear new guidelines concerning ammonia are likely to raise confidence concerning this refrigerant. SOURCE: iifiir, 22 August 2012, http://alturl.com/hrnq7

WEST ASIA 13- DuPont Refrigerants Completes Successful Action against Counterfeiting in United Arab Emirates - Thousands of containers of counterfeit materials seized DuPont Refrigerants completed a five-year effort to achieve shutdown of a suspected trader of counterfeit refrigerants in United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.). The trader‘s counterfeit activities were far-reaching, with links to counterfeit refrigerant gases found in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. In late 2007, a suspected trader of counterfeit refrigerants was identified in a market survey. In 2008, purchases were made on behalf of DuPont in the U.A.E., and DuPont confirmed the goods as counterfeits. The counterfeits were found in cylinders of R-22 refrigerant gas that were illegally branded with the DuPont™ Freon® trademark in a warehouse operated by the suspected trader. DuPont filed complaints with law enforcement and police conducted a raid, seizing counterfeit refrigerant cylinders, machines, printing templates, and counterfeit packaging for DuPont refrigerants. The raid exposed the trader‘s practice of importing pre-filled unbranded refrigerant containers from China and relabeling the containers with the DuPont brand name. Laboratory tests confirmed that the seized cylinders were counterfeit and the case was transferred to Criminal Court. In late 2009, a warrant was issued for the arrest of the owner. In 2010, before the warehouse owner was apprehended, DuPont discovered that the warehouse had resumed counterfeiting operations. A second complaint was filed with police on behalf of DuPont and another refrigerant producer. A second raid yielded seizure of counterfeit cartons and containers with the DuPont name. The raid included seizure of valve shrink wrap, printing screens and machinery, filling machinery, invoices, records and correspondence. The filling machinery was evidence that the warehouse was used to fill containers with generic gas and other products. The warehouse was sealed by police for a second time. The owner was apprehended and sentenced to two years in prison for the crime of counterfeiting. ―This case is another example of the DuPont commitment to fight counterfeit refrigerants globally,‖ said Greg Rubin, global business manager, DuPont Refrigerants. ―We are working with customs officials and law enforcement in every region of the world to ensure these cases can be pursued and prosecuted. We are determined in our pursuit of counterfeiters due to the safety risks inherent in the production and distribution of these illegal and potentially harmful products.‖ DuPont is a leading global supplier of refrigerants, using science and technology, market knowledge and global reach to provide sustainable materials and solutions to enhance personal comfort, enable food preservation, improve industrial processing and reduce environmental footprints. For more information, please visit refrigerants.dupont.com. For information on DuPont Brand Assurance Anti-Counterfeiting Initiative, please visit refrigerants.dupont.com/genuine. DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment. For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit dupont.com SOURCE: Dupont, 2 July 2012, http://alturl.com/45i66 See also >> DuPont Refrigerants Brand Assurance Anti-Counterfeiting Initiative - Beware of Counterfeit Refrigerants—Protect Your Business. Counterfeit refrigerants pose a global threat, could be unsafe for use, and could pose quality issues for your business and your customers. http://alturl.com/6e9gn

EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA 14- Russia - Zero Import Quota for All HCFCs in 2012 Wednesday, August 29, 2012 - Russian Federation allocated zero import quota for all HCFCs in 2012 (except for HCFC-141b). Therefore, no producing or exporting country should issue export license for HCFCs (except for HCFC-141b) to Russian Federation in 2012. Click here for the original Government Decree in Russian or here for the unofficial translation into English which is for information only. SOURCE: ECA Ozone Network, http://alturl.com/owpra

15- Montreal Protocol Olympics for Customs & Enforcement Officers – Ozone Protection Medals for China, European Union, Finland, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia FYR, Russia, Serbia and Uzbekistan Customs & Enforcement Officers from China, European Union, Finland, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia FYR, Russia, Serbia and Uzbekistan will receive the Ozone Protection Award 2012 of UNEP‘s Regional Ozone Network for Europe & Central Asia (ECA network) during the forthcoming Customs Cooperation Meeting in Istanbul, Turkey, 9-11 October 2012. During the period of July 2010 and August 2012, the award winners reported 17 successful seizures of 72 pieces of equipments and 3016 refrigerant cylinders / containers containing more than 61 metric tons of ozone-depleting chemicals and mixtures. Informal Prior Informed Consent (iPIC) consultations prior to the issuance of trade licenses avoided 15 unwanted / illegal shipments of more than 332 metric tons of ozone- depleting chemicals and mixtures. iPI C consultations and analysis of data inconsistencies also revealed illegal trade of 84,5 MT which took place in the past e.g. Singopore confirmed that it had exported 3 shipments of 15,5 MT of R22 each via the EU (Koper, Slovenia) to Serbia in 2010 which is not allowed under EU legislation. China had exported 38 MT of a mixture of mixture of R142b/R22 to Russia which were passing Russia as transit shipment to Kazakhstan. However, the Montreal does not allow trade of HCFCs between Parties and non-Parties to the Beijing Amendment. Turkey reported exports of 26,93 MT of HCFCs to Macedonia FYR in 2010 which were not recorded as imports and thus not reported as consumption under Article 7. Since the HCFC baseline has been defined as the average HCFC consumption in 2009 and 2010, this could affect the HCFC baseline of Macedonia FYR. Preventing illegal trade in chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) has been the challenge for Customs and Enforcement Officers during the past decades. From January 2010, the consumption of CFCs has worldwide been banned and the future challenge will be the increasing trade in methyl bromide and in hydrochlorofluoro- carbons (HCFCs). The consumption of methyl bromide will be banned from 2015 and that of HCFCs from 2040. Presently, the global trade in HCFCs in bulk amounts is to around 1 million tons per year. There are no exact figures on the magnitude of illegal trade, but in the 1990s, the illegal trade in CFCs was estimated to be 20 thousand tons per year, worth some 150-300 million USD and equivalent to over 12% of global CFC production. In the 2000s, global ODS smuggling was estimated 7–14 thousand tons per year, worth some 25-60 million USD. WCO operation "Sky Hole Patching‖ in 2006-2007 resulted in 27 seizures of 155 tons of ODS in Asia. The global operation "Sky Hole Patching II‖ in 2010 resulted in 28 seizures of 64 tons of ODS, 728 items of ODS-containing equipment as well as 2 tons of cocaine seized together with CFC cylinders. The meeting is jointly organised by the Ministry of Environment and of Turkey and UNEP‘s Regional Ozone Network for Europe & Central Asia (ECA network) in cooperation with Czech Republic. For further information, Contact: Halvart Koppen, ECA Network Coordinator, [email protected] SOURCE: ECA news, 19 August 2012, www.unep.org/ozonaction/ecanetwork

16- $2,620,000 GEF Grant for HCFC Phase Out & HFC-free Promotion in Azerbaijan Countries with economies in transition (EIT) are typically not entitled to receive funding from the Montreal Protocol’s Multilateral Fund (MLF) and the scarcity of available funding can be an impediment to achieving accelerated HCFC phase out schedules and to transitioning to climate friendly solutions. Yet, synergies between ozone and climate protection are climbing up the agenda of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), helping to fill the gap, as latest approved projects and meeting results indicate. Ozone & climate synergies move up the agenda of largest public funder of green projects In its latest meeting (June 2012), the GEF Council approved funding for a project in Azerbaijan titled ‖Initiation of the HCFCs Phase out and Promotion of HFCs-Free Energy Efficient Refrigeration and Air- Conditioning Systems‖. The project will prepare a national strategy to support Azerbaijan in achieving the accelerated phase out of HCFCs, in line with Montreal Protocol requirements. To avoid double conversion in the future, any HFC- based alternatives will be excluded when possible from the project framework. The strategy will have two major components:  Institutional capacity building: The first project component will provide institutional capacity and the capability required to properly implement current ozone depleting substances (ODS) legislation, through robust monitoring, reporting and control of HCFC imports, consumption and exports. The development and dissemination of refrigeration best practice code/guidelines for leak minimization, best practice training for the RAC sector (to train the trainers) and the development of a national database for skilled technicians also fall within the first component.  Conversion of manufacturing plants and assistance to the service sector: The second component aims at enabling the phase out of 18.95 ODP tonnes of HCFC-22 and HCFC-141b through the conversion of commercial refrigeration and manufacturing and polyurethane insulation panel manufacturing at 10 to 14 companies and through assistance to the refrigeration service sector through 70 to 100 service providers. The project will support the conversion of refrigeration manufacturers through the provision of production equipment necessary to adopt non-HCFC refrigerants that when possible will be natural refrigerants. Moreover, training of technicians will be paramount for the country to achieve a major reduction in HCFC demand for servicing, an essential component of the national phase out strategy. GEF concept paper on ozone & climate: “funding from MLF and GEF can be combined” Indicative of the increasing importance that GEF is giving to the synergies between ozone & climate protection is a concept paper that the body published titled ―Concept Paper: GEF-5 Ozone, Climate and Chemicals Program‖.

This paper encompasses the Climate Change Mitigation Strategy the implementation of which would bring about energy efficiency and reductions of ODS, greenhouse gases and other pollutants through the replacement and proper disposal of refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment, and stockpiles.

In a distinct sub-section, the paper discusses the ―additional long term sustainable benefits [that] can be achieved by shifting appliance manufactures away from high-GWP refrigerants and foam blowing agents to low-GWP alternatives‖. The paper maintains that, ―countries with manufacturing practices that use high- GWP refrigerants and foam blowing agents consider switching to more environmentally friendly alternatives as part of this program‖. In that respect, ―funding from the MLF and the GEF can be combined‖, alluding to the fact that GEF funding may not only be available for countries that do not otherwise fall under the scope of MLF funding, like Azerbaijan and other EIT countries. SOURCE: Ammonia21, July 2012, http://www.ammonia21.com/news/view/3321 Read /Download The Concept Paper: GEF-5 Ozone, Climate, and Chemicals Program: http://alturl.com/uekp7

FEATURED

Ozone Secretariat Highlights >>> http://ozone.unmfs.org/new_site/en/index.php

> 48IMPCOM: Report of the Implementation Committee under the Non-Compliance Procedure for the Montreal Protocol on the work of its forty-eighth meeting - UNEP/OzL.Pro/ImpCom/48/5 - Advance Copy

> Seminar on Protecting the Atmosphere for Generations to Come, Geneva, Switzerland, 11 November 2012 - Twenty‐fifth anniversary of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. Provisional agenda: (A) (C) (E) (F) (R) (S) http://conf.montreal-protocol.org/meeting/25_anniversary_seminar/default.aspx

> 24MOP: Application Form for Side Events and Exhibitions > 24MOP: List of Hotels in Geneva and Information note for participants

> Handbook for the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer - Ninth Edition (2012) > Handbook for the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer - Ninth Edition (2012)

> 25th Anniversary Facebook Page > Montreal Protocol Information Kit

> Public Service Announcements (PSAs) PSA - 1 (30 seconds) PSA - 1 script PSA - 2 (30 seconds) PSA - 2 script Combined PSA 1 & PSA 2 ( 60 seconds) PSA - 3 script

> TEAP/TOCS Meetings – Dates and Venues for 2012 @ http://bit.ly/xIwkgj > TEAP May 2012 Progress Report (Vol.1) - Corrigendum 1 > TEAP May 2012 Decision XXIII/9 Task Force Report (vol. 2) - Corrigendum 1

The Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol >>> http://www.multilateralfund.org > The report of the 67th Meeting of the Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund is available at http://www.multilateralfund.org/67/English/1/6739.pdf

Highlights from OzonAction >>> http://www.unep.org/ozonaction/ > Follow OzonAction on

> OzonAction Webinars Click here to learn more

> Montreal Protocol e-Learning Module - UNEP DTIE‘s OzonAction Branch and the World Customs Organization collaborated to develop the Montreal Protocol e-learning module. This interactive online training module, based on UNEP‘s Training Manual for Customs Officers, presents the latest information on the international policy governing the control and monitoring of Ozone Depleting Substances, as well as an overview of the technical issues including new information on chemicals and products traded and how these may be smuggled. The module is periodically updated to take into account the developments in international trade and provides new material to reflect the changes in the Montreal Protocol, the Harmonised Systems codes, licensing systems and other relevant information. Once registered, users of the Montreal Protocol e-learning module can follow the course at their own pace and obtain a certificate after successfully completing it. The module is also ideal as an introductory course prior to attending UNEP‘s Customs training workshops and is also a great refresher course for experienced officers. Ho w to register - Customs and Enforcement officers: contact your country‘s national coordinator for the World Customs Organization to register: http://e-learning.wcoomd.org/hosting/Learning/Coordinators.pdf or contact the WCO E-learning team: [email protected] National Ozone Officers who wish to use the course: Contact your UNEP OzonAction Regional Office.

> Virtual Exhibition on Ozone and Climate Friendly Technologies - Available from OzonAction.

Click here to learn more

> Trends Analysis Updated - Consumption and production of ozone depleting substances in developing countries have been updated and include the data for 2010 (CFCs, halons, methyl bromide and HCFCs). The data can be accessed via > http://bit.ly/w1pqBC

READING >>>

> Protecting our atmosphere for generations to come, 25 years of the Montreal Protocol - The OzonAction Special Issue (OASI) features articles from international experts on many important issues including the celebrations of 25 years of the Montreal Protocol. A special issue dedicated to stratospheric ozone and climate change related issues and the implementation of the Montreal Protocol, providing the most recent information on ozone protection activities from industry, governments, NGOs and international organizations. Click here to read/download

> 2020 – 2030 – 2050 - Common Vision for the Renewable Heating & Cooling Sector in Europe European Technology Platform on Renewable Heating and Cooling… Read/download ftp://ftp.cordis.europa.eu/pub/etp/docs/rhc-vision_en.pdf

> Proceedings of the 10th IIR-Gustav Lorentzen Conference on Natural Working Fluids (GL2012). Delft, The Netherlands, June 25-27, 2012. http://alturl.com/9thym

> $188M for New Arctic Research Centre, (Canada), CBC, 23 August 2012, http://alturl.com/hjzu3

> EcoSolutions Recycling, Inc. successfully obtains validation of its domestic refrigerators and freezers recycling project under the mechanisms and rules of the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and its brand new protocol targeting ozone depleting substances (ODS), the «Recovery and Destruction of Ozone-Depleting Substances from Products, Methodology VM0016». Read more http://alturl.com/58joi

> 2012 IARW Top 25 Lists of World’s Largest Public Refrigerated Warehouses Indicate Positive Industry Growth The International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses (IARW) has released its annual IARW Global Top 25 List of the public refrigerated warehouses (PRWs) with the greatest capacity of warehouse space in the world. Accompanying the Global Top 25 is the IARW North American Top 25 List SOURCE: GCCA, http://alturl.com/zx6nn

> Geothermal Air Conditioning System Launched, Japan for Sustainability (JFS), 25 August 2012, http://www.japanfs.org/en/pages/032173.html

> Nobel Prize-Winning Scientist Cites Evidence of Link Between Extreme Weather, Global warming… SOURCE: American Chemical Society, 20 August 2012, http://alturl.com/c2ryu

MEETINGS / EVENTs >>> - 2012 - > Dates and Venues of Montreal Protocol Meetings in 2012

> Submission of Papers - Quadrennial Ozone Symposium 2012 , 27-31 August, Toronto, Canada, Papers will be submitted immediately after the conference, with a deadline of October 1, 2012. It is expected that they will have a published length of between 5 and 20 pages and will be formatted according to the editorial standards of the Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society's Journal, Atmosphere- Ocean. Details for submission for authors can be found at http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/tato20/current. In the left column, click on "Authors and submissions". The full papers will be published in a special issue of Atmosphere-Ocean, and that there will be a deadline for the submission in order for the papers to be included… Learn more http://www.cmos.ca/QOS2012/

> 4e Conférence jordanienne de l'Institut International du Froid (IIF) sur le Froid et le conditionnement d'air, 10 – 12 Septembre 2012, Amman, Jordanie, Learn more >> http://jnciirconf.ju.edu.jo/Home.aspx

> Round 2 of Refrigerants Review, 24-25 September 2012, Dubai, UAE Learn more >> http://bit.ly/LqiLof

> Chillventa - The International Trade Fair for Refrigeration, Air Conditioning / Ventilation and Heat Pumps, 09 - 11 October 2012, Nuremberg, Germany, http://www.chillventa.de/en/

> 2012 Latin American Cold Chain Summit, 16 - 17 Oct. 2012, São Paulo, Brazil, At the 2012 Latin America Cold Chain Summit cold chain players from all over the world will assemble in São Paulo, Brazil to explore the Latin American cold chain industry… Learn more http://www.gcca.org/events/2012-latin- american-cold-chain-summit.html

> Fall European Cold Chain Conference & Trade Show, ―Innovation and technology throughout the cold chain.‖ 15-16 October 2012, Madrid, Spain... Learn more http://www.ecsla.be/content/view/71/133/

> ASHRAE/NIST 2012 Refrigerants Conference: “Moving toward Sustainability” 29 -30 October 2012, at NIST in Gaithersburg, Md. ―This conference addresses international concerns about the impact of refrigerants on climate change, which inevitably lead to increased focus on refrigerants with a low global warming potential (GWP) applied in high-efficiency systems,‖ Piotr Domanski, conference co- chair, said. ―This includes new generations of unsaturated flourochemicals and expanded use of ‗natural‘ refrigerants.‖ Learn more >> www.ashrae.org/refrigerants2012

> ATMOsphere Europe will take place in Brussels from 5-7 November 2012. See the preliminary programme - Registration and Call for Case Studies, Registration for ATMOsphere Europe 2012 will open in early May. A call for case studies looking for innovative and real life examples of ammonia solutions for Europe will be issued in early May as well. Learn more > http://bit.ly/HHJAkh

> 2012 Annual International Research Conference on Methyl Bromide Alternatives and Emissions Reductions, 6-8 November 2012, Orlando, Florida, USA, http://www.mbao.org/#when

> The International Symposium on New Refrigerants & Environmental Technology, 8-9 November 2012, Kobe, Japan- sponsored by The Japan Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Industry Association (JRAIA). SOURCE: EJARN, http://www.ejarn.com/news.asp?ID=20729

- 2013 - > First Announcement and Call for Papers – 5th International Conference, Ammonia Refrigeration Technology, IIR Commissions: B2 with B1, D1. May 9-11, 2013, Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia, Learn more >> http://bit.ly/MOjcHD

> Focuses on Research & Integrated Project Delivery: ASHRAE Announces Call for Papers for 2013 Annual Conference, June 22-26, Denver, Colorado. The conference seeks papers on current research worldwide; core HVAC&R applications and systems; and, featured for this conference, Integrated Project Design, Energy Modeling and Building Efficiency Performance… To submit a conference paper abstract or a technical paper and for more information about the tracks >> www.ashrae.org/Denver

MISCELLANEOUS >>>

> Do you have HVAC&R operations in Canada, the USA and/or Mexico? If so, time is running out to take part in the North American Natural Refrigerant survey on the market potential for sustainable refrigerants: http://guide.shecco.com

We invite you to visit the "Montreal Protocol Who's Who", & Nominate an ozone layer protection champion from your country/region >> http://www.unep.fr/ozonaction/montrealprotocolwhoswho/PageFlip.asp Feel free to include a link on your website

The United Nations Environment Programme Division of Technology, Industry and Economics (UNEP DTIE) OzonAction Programme provides OzoNews as a free service for internal, non-commercial use by members of the Montreal Protocol community. Since its inception in January 2000, the goal of OzoNews is to provide current news relating to ozone depletion and the implementation of the Montreal Protocol, to stimulate discussion and promote cooperation in support of compliance with the Montreal Protocol. With the exception of items written by UNEP and occasional contributions solicited from other organizations, the news is sourced from on-line newspapers, journals and websites. The views expressed in articles written by external authors are solely the viewpoints of those authors and do not represent the policy or viewpoint of UNEP. While UNEP strives to avoid inclusion of misleading or inaccurate information, it is ultimately the responsibility of the reader to evaluate the accuracy of any news article in OzoNews. The citing of commercial technologies, products or services does not constitute endorsement of those items by UNEP.

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