'India phased out ozone depleting substances ahead of target'

We have pro-actively phased out ozone depleting substances (ODS) like CFCs much ahead of the target date due to our commitments backed by Montreal protocol which has the explicit financial arrangements for transfer technologies, Union Minister Jairam Ramesh said on Wednesday.

"It has been possible as in accordance with the principle of "common but differentiated responsibility and respective capabilities" (defined in) the Montreal Protocol...," Ramesh said at a function to mark International Ozone Day on Wednesday.

His observation assumes significance ahead of the Copenhagen conference on climate change in December where developing nations are looking for a Montreal Protocol like agreement which ensures transfer of technology with voluntary contributions from developed countries.

Besides other ODSs, India, which has so far received around US $ 300 billion under the Protocol pact, has already phased out CFC, by August 2008, 17 months ahead of the schedule.

Now, steps are being taken to an early phaseout of Hydro Chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), responsible for global warming, by 2030 as decided at a recent 19th meeting of the parties to the Protocol.

"Many sectors that are dependent on HCFCs such as conditioners, chillers and foam manufacturing will have to find alternatives that are both ozone and climate friendly," the Union Minister added.

He also talked about the ongoing Chiller Energy Efficiency project assisted by the World Bank in the country accelerating the conversion of CFC based chillers to new and more energy efficient technology.

"The project will also support strengthening of national capacity for carbon finance intermeditation and will be an example of Montreal Protocol's contribution to reducing global warming," Ramesh said.