Image shows an analysis of total ozone column over the Antarctic (Antarctica-centric Map). The blue colours indicate lowest ozone columns, while yellow and red indicate higher ozone columns. Ozone columns are commonly measured in Dobson Units. One Dobson Unit is the number of molecules of ozone that would be required to create a layer of pure ozone 0.01 millimetres thick at a temperature of 0 degrees Celsius and a pressure of 1 atmosphere. 300 DU corresponds to 3 millimetres of ozone. More ozone molecules therefore imply a healthier ozone layer.
The Montreal Protocol’s Technology Economic Assessment Panel (TEAP), a technical body providing the Montreal Protocol with relevant knowledge and advice on technology and economics issues, has met in Brussels on 20-24 April. Adopted in 1987, the Montreal Protocol aims to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS). The addition of the Kigali Amendment in 2016 expanded its scope to climate action, introducing binding measures to reduce hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), powerful greenhouse gases often used as alternatives to ODS.
The TEAP members, appointed experts from academia and industry, have discussed topics relevant to the treaty ahead of publishing their technical reports. Upcoming reports are the replenishment report, a technical input required by Parties of the Protocol to negotiate the developing countries’ funding needs within the Multilateral Fund to help them eliminate ODS and reduce HFCs. The experts have also discussed the drafting of a four-yearly assessment report on the state of technologies, progress made in the relevant sectors, and remaining challenges in doing so. This includes information on the need for ozone-depleting substances for fire fighting in the aviation sector, an on-going transition in the medical sector to introduce new, more climate-friendly asthma inhalers, as well as emissions of various substances, including from the chemical production sector.
The EU and its Member States are strongly committed to this international treaty, and the European Commission was pleased to host the panel, supporting its independent work to provide Parties with the best available information and offering a space to meet in person and finalise discussions.
