By Lerato Mpembe
South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Bernice Swarts, will represent the country at the 36th Meeting of the Parties (MOP 36) to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, set to take place in Bangkok, Thailand. The high-level meeting, which spans from Monday to Thursday, will gather global environmental leaders to discuss pressing issues concerning the ozone layer and broader climate protection measures.
The Montreal Protocol, established in 1987 and enforced in 1989, is recognized as one of the most successful international environmental agreements. Its goal is to protect the Earth’s ozone layer by gradually phasing out the production and use of ozone-depleting substances (ODS). Through this protocol, which celebrated its 37th anniversary in September 2024, significant progress has been made in reducing harmful chemicals in the atmosphere, helping to repair the ozone layer and mitigate climate change impacts.
A key challenge addressed at the conference will be managing hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), substances initially introduced as safer replacements for certain ODS but later discovered to be potent greenhouse gases. These gases contribute significantly to global warming, with some HFCs being thousands of times more harmful than carbon dioxide in terms of their climate impact. In response, the 2016 Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol was introduced, targeting a phasedown of HFCs to avoid up to 0.4°C of global temperature rise by the end of the century.
At MOP 36, Deputy Minister Swarts is expected to deliver a formal address during the high-level segment on Wednesday, alongside representatives from other nations. Her speech is anticipated to focus on South Africa’s ongoing commitment to international environmental protocols and collaborative efforts to reduce the use of ODS. Furthermore, Swarts will participate in bilateral meetings to strengthen international cooperation and explore ways to manage and phase out harmful substances efficiently.
This year’s agenda is comprehensive, covering topics such as refrigerant lifecycle management, the emissions of carbon tetrachloride, and the use of controlled substances in industrial feedstocks. An important goal of the discussions is to find solutions that balance the urgent need to reduce ODS with the pursuit of energy-efficient and low-global-warming-potential technologies. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) will play a central role in guiding these discussions, providing technical insights, and promoting global action to protect the climate.
Apart from her main address, Swarts will also attend various side events focusing on knowledge-sharing about ODS management and maximizing climate benefits. These events aim to foster dialogue among participating countries and support the development of innovative, sustainable practices. For South Africa, this participation reflects the government’s broader strategy to enhance climate resilience, a stance that has gained urgency given the country’s vulnerability to climate impacts such as droughts, floods, and biodiversity loss.
In the context of her portfolio, Swarts has been actively involved in South Africa’s domestic environmental initiatives, including the development of climate adaptation programs and the promotion of green jobs in the forestry, fisheries, and environmental sectors. Her presence at MOP 36 underscores South Africa’s commitment to contributing to global climate solutions while addressing environmental challenges at home.
The outcomes of MOP 36 are anticipated to have far-reaching implications, not only for the countries represented but for global climate policy at large. As Swarts engages with international counterparts, South Africans and global stakeholders alike will be watching closely to see how collaborative efforts under the Montreal Protocol continue to evolve and drive tangible results for the environment.
Through her involvement, Swarts will reinforce South Africa’s dedication to sustainable development and global environmental stewardship, aligning with the nation’s priorities outlined in its Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement.
In sum, MOP 36 serves as a crucial platform for environmental diplomacy, and Swarts’ participation highlights South Africa’s active role in global efforts to tackle environmental issues that transcend borders.
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