Submission by Pakistan

[Explanatory note: The present conference room paper is submitted for discussion by the Parties to the Montreal Protocol at the thirty-eighth meeting of the Open-ended Working Group, and any agreed elements of the proposal should be included in any proposals adopted on the phase-down of HFCs.]

The Meeting of the Parties,

Noting that Pakistan supports a gradual global phase-down of the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs),  

Recognizing that certain replacements for ozone-depleting substances have high 
global warming potential, and that some HFCs in particular lead to warming of the environment,

Recognizing also that, while the share of the contribution of HFCs to overall global greenhouse emissions is, at this moment in time, less than 0.2 per cent and does not pose an immediate threat, and certain other sectors such as aviation and shipping have emissions multiple times higher than those from HFCs emissions, nevertheless the growth of HFC use from the decade before and after 2050 may affect the global climate,

Recognizing further that the majority of developing countries have no role in increasing or contributing to emissions contributing to global warming,

Recognizing the accepted principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities,

Recognizing that some enactments and obligations placed on developing countries may be inappropriate and of unwarranted economic and social cost to these countries,

Noting that the largest share of historical and current global emissions of greenhouse gases has originated in developed countries, that per capita emissions in developing countries are still relatively low, and that the share of global emissions originating in developing countries has to grow if their social and development needs are to be met,

Recognizing that the performance of technologies constituting alternatives to HFCs in countries with high ambient temperatures is comparatively poor, leading to higher energy requirements, and that in certain instances proven, advantageous and economical alternatives are not available,

Recognizing also that commercially viable solutions for vehicle air conditioners and some other sectors and applications are also not available, and that the recharging cost associated with alternative refrigerants would cause financial burdens in several low-income economies among the Article 5 countries,

Recognizing further that regulations, standards, policies and procedures have not been developed or adopted in Article 5 countries, especially in the context of the flammability and toxicity of the alternatives to HFCs,

Decides:

To set the phase-down target for the production and consumption of HFCs at 50 per cent of the agreed baseline, and that, for Article 5 countries, the phase-down shall, after reaching this target, be reviewed with respect to the availability of financially viable and technically proven alternate technologies.