Guyana and other Caribbean countries are expected to phase-out the use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) – potent greenhouse gases- by the end of 2009 as the region commits to international obligations regarding the use of the ozone-depleting substance.
Over the next year the region will focus on integrating the phase-out work into national priorities of environment management and sustainable development. Speeding up of the phase-out will simultaneously address ozone protection and climate change.
To date Guyana has succeeded in phasing out 84 percent of the harmful substance and will embark on its action plan to tackle the remaining 16 percent.
Part of the effort includes further training for persons in the air conditioning and refrigeration sector where HFCs are mainly utilized.
At a scheduled meeting for the Caribbean Ozone Officers Network on Wednesday Guyana launched its Terminal Phase- out Management Plan to build on the progress already made. The programme will be implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Paul Horwitz of UNEP noted at the opening of the meeting that the remaining work on the project will not be easy. He said it will require a redoubling of efforts as well as the phase-out of more metric tonnes.
He pointed out that a growing number of countries in the region have phased out HFCs in keeping with the requirements of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, adding that the protocol stands on the verge of becoming the most ratified treaty in the United Nations system.
Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud in his remarks noted that the extent of use of HFCs in Guyana is limited to the refrigeration and air conditioning sector. He said that Guyana has a country plan, a refrigeration plan and now the terminal phase-out plan, adding that a public awareness campaign was initiated.
Persaud said 130 customs officers were trained in monitoring and controlling ozone depleting substances and around 600 technicians have been trained and certified in good refrigeration practices.
He noted that there is need for stronger action if the issue of global warming and climate change is to be addressed in a serious way, adding that there is need for a paradigm shift in the way roles and responsibilities are viewed.
“As developing countries we call on the developed countries to help us adapt by providing us with the appropriate, accessible, and affordable technologies across sectors and to make available the technical and financial resources for us to adapt to climate change,” the minister stated.
