Thirty-Seventh Meeting of the Parties

Title: Addressing SF₆ in MEAs including the MP: Monitoring, Mitigation, and Alternatives for a Sustainable Grid

Description: Addressing hyper-climate gas Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6) in Multilateral Environmenta Agreements including the Montreal Protocol: Monitoring, Mitigation, and Alternatives for a Sustainable Grid.

Contact(s):

Tapio Reinikainen

tapio.reinikainen@syke.fi

Title: Cold Chain Technologies in Hot Climates: From Storage to Transport

Description: The event will focus on the challenges and solutions for maintaining effective cold chains in hot countries. It will bring together experts from academia and industry to explore sustainable, energy-efficient technologies for both storage and transport, with an emphasis on food safety and reducing post-harvest losses. The event will also address policy frameworks, infrastructure gaps, and innovative approaches such as solar-powered walk-in cold rooms, climate-friendly refrigerants, and improved thermal insulation.

Contact(s):

Sonja Wagner

sonja.wagner@un.org

Title: From Global Tools to Regional and National Action: Harmonizing Energy-Efficient Cooling Regulations in Africa and Beyond

Description: The global shift towards energy-efficient, climate-friendly cooling offers a critical opportunity to support the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. As countries phase down high-GWP hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), combining refrigerant transition with efficiency improvements is essential to achieve both environmental and economic benefits.  This side event will explore how regional harmonization of energy-efficient cooling appliances can accelerate national adoption, reduce electricity demand, and contribute to climate and development objectives across Africa. Discussions will cover regional and national perspectives on implementation challenges, opportunities for cross-country collaboration, and lessons learned from the adoption of energy-efficient, low-GWP cooling appliances.

Contact(s):

Patrick Blake

patrick.blake@un.org

Title: Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning (MACS) is Ready for HFC Phaseout with Natural R-290 Refrigerant in All-Electric Vehicles

Description: This is an ACTION NOW Side Event organized by IGSD, CCAC, and MACS to press forward with ozone-safe and climate friendly all-electric vehicles using natural refrigerant R-290 (propane) to cool and heat occupants, batteries, and inverters in all-electric vehicles powered by clean low-carbon hydroelectric, nuclear, solar, and wind energy.

Contact(s):

Madelyn Zuckerman 

mzuckerman@igsd.org

Stephen Andersen

sandersen@igsd.org

Title: Turning Waste into Opportunities: Preparing National Inventories and Management Plans for Banks of Controlled Substances

Description: Banks of controlled substances present in old equipment, foams, and stockpiles pose a major environmental risk. If not properly managed, their emissions could reach up to 39 gigatonnes of CO₂ equivalent, undermining both ozone protection and climate goals. Under Decision 91/66 of the Multilateral Fund, UNIDO is supporting 30 Article 5 countries to identify and manage these banks through national inventories and management plans for recovery, reuse and destruction. This side event will discuss:

• Proven tools and methodologies
• Country experiences and case studies
• Technical and financial challenges
• Synergies with climate action and circular economy

Contact(s):

Jude Sentongo Kafeero      

j.sentongokafeero@unido.org

Title: Addressing the Leak: Findings from India's Largest Survey and Policy Gaps in Lifecycle Refrigerant Management

Description: India is experiencing rapid growth in cooling demand, which directly affects refrigerant use. Refrigerant leakage remains a significant problem in India, greatly adding to greenhouse gas emissions. To better understand the scale and nature of the problem, iFOREST conducted a comprehensive survey across the refrigerant supply chain in seven major Indian cities. The survey's findings reveal critical gaps in current refrigerant lifecycle management (LRM) practices and emphasise the urgent need for systemic interventions.

This side event at MOP37 will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and technical experts to deliberate on lessons learned from the survey. The discussion will focus on regulatory reforms and financial mechanisms needed to build a robust circular refrigerant management system in India, encompassing safe recovery, recycling, and reuse. By showcasing practical solutions, the event aims to advance conversations on how India can transition towards sustainable refrigerant management while meeting its cooling needs.

Contact(s):

Rohit Bagai

rohit@iforest.global