Bahrain to chair Montreal protocol Ozone committee

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain has won the Presidency of the Executive Committee of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer for 2022.

The Montreal Protocol is a global agreement to protect the Earth’s ozone layer by phasing out the chemicals that deplete it.

The deal includes both the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances.

The landmark agreement was signed in 1987 and entered into force in 1989.

His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Personal Representative of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for the Environment, said Bahrain chairing the protocol is a first of its kind achievement at the Gulf level since the ratification of the protocol.

His Highness stressed the pivotal role of the Committee in supporting the international efforts to protect the environment.

The Committee is concerned with mapping out policies and taking financial decisions for the multilateral fund, which has contributed $ 4.25 billion to help 145 states protect the ozone layer in three decades.

Bahrain, Shaikh Abdullah said, implemented 38 projects worth US$3.84 million through the multilateral fund to help the switch to non-ozone-depleting alternatives for refrigeration and air-conditioning. “A similar amount will be disbursed in the coming for the graduation reduction of the hydrofluorocarbons,” said His Highness.

Shaikh Abdullah also expressed hope that Bahrain’s tenure would be full of achievements.

“The Kingdom will hold discussions with GCC and Arab states to develop strategic plans for phasing out hydrofluorocarbons,” said Shaikh Abdullah highlighting the importance of finding alternative technologies suitable for countries with hot ocean climates.