September 16 is World Ozone Day
This year's theme is: Montreal Protocol: Advancing Climate Action.
The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is one of the world's most successful international environmental treaties. Agreed in 1987 to protect the ozone layer, it is now a recognised and powerful climate action tool.
The Montreal Protocol has guided global action to phase out ozone damaging substances. This protects the ozone layer and slows climate change.
Australia takes a leadership role in the Montreal Protocol. In 2016, Australia strongly supported negotiations on the Kigali Amendment decision to phase down climate warming hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
HFCs are potent synthetic greenhouse gases used in:
- refrigeration
- air conditioning
- aerosols
- fire protection.
It's estimated that phasing-down HFCs in Australia will avoid 23 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions between 2018 and 2030. This contributes to Australia's Paris Agreement target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 43% by 2030.
Australia's comprehensive approach to reduce HFC emissions involves:
- import licensing and quota
- mandatory product stewardship to recover and destroy waste HFC refrigerants
- bans on single-use HFC gas cylinders
- requirements for businesses and technicians working with HFCs to be licensed.
This year the Australian Government took further action to reduce HFC emissions. From 1 July 2024, Australia has banned the import of small air conditioners that use the most climate damaging HFCs.
