The Hydromet Department’s Ozone Unit recently signed a GUY $ 2,000,000 contract with a consultant to commence a national survey on the use of Hydrofluoro Carbons (HFC). Guyana is actively phasing out Hydrochlorofluoro Carbons (HCFCs) and has a deadline of 2030 to completely phase out these Ozone Depleting substances (ODS).
However, a new initiative has been developed which will see Guyana phasing down the use of HFCs in the coming years. These chemicals which have low Ozone Depleting potential, however, have high global warming potential.
The purpose of the survey is to establish the level of usage of HFCs in the refrigeration and air-condition sector. This sector is the primary user of HFC gases. Additionally, these chemicals are used in mobile devices such as cars and buses.
The survey will determine the amount of HFCs being imported and the demand for such chemicals locally. Based on the findings, a national baseline will be established for the current use and with this baseline, a formula or a strategy will then be established for the phase down of HFCs.
According to Chief Hydromet Officer (ag) Dr. Garvin Cummings this remains necessary under the Montreal Protocol, which is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of numerous substances that are responsible for ozone depletion.
“The HFCs are slated for a phase down rather than a complete phase out given the fact that it has relatively high global warming potential and can ultimately have negative impacts on global climate” he said.
Climate Change does not fall under the Montreal Protocol but rather, under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). However, it is being addressed under the Montreal Protocol because it has some amount of Ozone depleting potential.
