OzonAction Scoop number 5 on The Montreal Protocol and the Sustainable Development Goals explores how the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) recognize that improving human health and well-being, including ending poverty and stimulating economic growth for all, must go hand-in-hand with protecting the environment on which we all depend. The implementation of the Montreal Protocol contributes to at least twelve of the seventeen SDGs. Benefits arise directly from the successful protection of the stratospheric ozone layer and climate, which make major contributions to SDG 2 (Zero hunger) and SDG 3 (Human health and well-being). But the Montreal Protocol also contributes for the SDGs through other mechanisms. These include new scientific understanding and technical innovations that have contributed to multiple SDGs. One example is how the phase-out of methyl bromide has stimulated new approaches to sustainable food production, and so SDG2 (Zero hunger). Similarly, delivery of a range of socioeconomic SDGs has benefited from the profound changes in refrigeration and air conditioning driven by the phase-out of ozone-depleting substances in those sectors. The Kigali amendment offers new opportunities to improve the energy efficiency of cooling systems, allowing energy resources to be used most efficiently, supporting sustainable growth and climate protection. Finally, by supporting projects that include industrial conversion, training and capacity building, the Multilateral Fund provides an exemplar of SDG17, effective partnerships to deliver this Sustainable Development Goal.
OzonAction Scoop No. 4
OzonAction Scoop number 4 on Importance of cold chain - Extending the shelf life of cut flowers and fresh produce.
Attention has been paid to refrigeration in the fishing industry (including fishing vessels, fish products distribution and storage) and the food industry (i.e. supermarkets) and others, but to a lesser extent to the international trade of fresh flowers and produce. Yet, the shelf life of these products critically depends on an adequate cold chain: ideally, uninterrupted storage at the optimum conservation temperature from the time of harvest until delivery. This includes cold rooms at the farm or production point (for storage, packaging), refrigerated ground transport to the port of delivery, cold storage before shipping, refrigerated transport to end market by air or sea, and refrigerated storage and transport at point of arrival, until the point of delivery to the end consumer.
Learning more about the cold chain as it impacts the marketing and consumption of fresh flowers and produce provides a prime opportunity for promoting the Kigali Amendment and the phase-down of HFCs. It offers a good opportunity for sharing information on feasible refrigerant alternatives, strengthening awareness-raising activities and providing useful information to key stakeholders.
