Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Le Cong Thanh delivering the opening remarks at the workshop

The event aimed to commemorate International Ozone Layer Protection Day 2024 and highlight Vietnam's efforts in global cooperation to address climate change challenges, working together to restore the ozone layer and protect the Earth.

The workshop was attended by Mr. Pipat Poopeerasupong, Ozone Coordinator for the Asia-Pacific Region at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP); Mr. Tang The Cuong, Director General of the Department of Climate Change (Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment - MONRE); leaders of several MONRE units, representatives from ministries, and representatives from 15 provinces and cities in northern Vietnam. International organizations, research institutes, universities, and businesses involved in ozone-depleting substances and greenhouse gases were also present.

In his opening speech, Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh noted that 2024 marks 30 years of Vietnam’s participation in the Vienna Convention on ozone protection and the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer. Immediately after joining in 1994, Vietnam issued its National Program for the Gradual Elimination of Ozone-Depleting Substances in 1995 and established the National Program Office to coordinate and implement activities to phase out substances controlled under the Montreal Protocol from 1996.

Ms. Megumi Seki, Executive Secretary of the International Ozone Secretariat, congratulating Vietnam on successfully implementing the Montreal Protocol over the past 30 years

During its first decade of participation (1994-2004), Vietnam began drafting and issuing regulations to manage and control the use of ozone-depleting substances, while supporting enterprises in transitioning to alternative technologies.

From 2004 to 2014, Vietnam strengthened ozone protection efforts, issuing several regulations to manage the import and export of substances, controlling CFC-based refrigeration equipment, and limiting the establishment or expansion of businesses using HCFCs. By January 1, 2010, Vietnam had fully eliminated the consumption of CFCs, Halons, and CTCs, and by January 1, 2013, consumption of HCFCs had been frozen at baseline levels, along with significant support for enterprises to shift technologies.

Delegates attending the workshop

Since 2014, Vietnam has focused on improving institutional frameworks and policies. Today, the legal system governing the protection of the ozone layer, management, and elimination of ozone-depleting substances and greenhouse gases is largely complete. Foam, air conditioning, and refrigeration manufacturers no longer use ozone-depleting substances in production; imports and consumption of controlled substances follow prescribed timelines; and methyl bromide is only used for quarantine and fumigation in agriculture.

In 2019, the government ratified the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, enhancing management of HFCs, which are used to replace ozone-depleting substances being phased out. Ozone layer protection is now enshrined in the Environmental Protection Law, and Government Decree No. 06/2022/ND-CP details the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and ozone layer protection. Several circulars, national technical regulations, and standards have been issued to support management efforts.

Numerous domestic and international experts, along with representatives of international organizations, participating in the workshop

After 30 years of participation, Vietnam has been recognized internationally as a responsible and active member, having made significant progress in managing and phasing out ozone-depleting substances and greenhouse gases. "According to the Ozone Secretariat’s report published in July, Vietnam has eliminated the equivalent of 220 million tons of CO2 consumption since joining," emphasized Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh. This achievement is the result of cooperation across various ministries, sectors, institutions, professional associations, and businesses throughout the country, along with strong partnerships with international organizations.

To implement the coordinated measures required through 2045, on June 11, 2024, the Prime Minister issued the National Plan on the Management and Elimination of Ozone-Depleting Substances and Greenhouse Gases, under Decision No. 496/QD-TTg. If implemented according to the outlined schedule, Vietnam will reduce emissions by more than 11 million tons of CO2 equivalent by 2045 from the elimination of controlled substances, not to mention the reductions achieved through climate-friendly technology transitions and recycling efforts, contributing to the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

Mr. Rusmir Music, expert from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), presenting at the workshop

Speaking from UNEP headquarters, Ms. Megumi Seki, Executive Secretary of the International Ozone Secretariat, congratulated Vietnam on successfully implementing the Montreal Protocol over the past 30 years.

The focus of International Ozone Layer Protection Day 2024 is on contributing to climate change mitigation, reflected in the theme “The Montreal Protocol: Accelerating Climate Action.” The Montreal Protocol is recognized as one of the most successful multilateral environmental agreements in history, a global victory for cooperation. So far, the elimination of 99% of ozone-depleting substances has prevented approximately 366 billion tons of CO2 emissions worldwide, significantly slowing global warming.

Ms. Seki expressed hope that Vietnam will continue its commitment to the Montreal Protocol, doubling efforts to fully realize the potential of the Kigali Amendment and participate in international actions to enhance lifecycle management of refrigerants, contributing to emission reduction targets.

Mr. Tang The Cuong, Director General of the Department of Climate Change, speaking at the workshop

At the workshop, representatives from international organizations and domestic experts presented in-depth discussions on the management and elimination of controlled substances and the implementation of sustainable cooling practices in Vietnam. They also shared experiences in technology transitions, collection, recycling, and disposal of controlled substances in Vietnam.

Mr. Viraj Vithoontien, a World Bank expert, pointed out that lifecycle management of refrigerants offers a major opportunity for chemical producers, equipment manufacturers, policymakers, large corporations, and service providers to collaborate in preventing atmospheric emissions.

Some international experiences include implementing a deposit/return system for large-volume refrigerant sales by distributors and wholesalers, with unreturned deposits used to cover the costs of collection, transportation, recovery, and destruction of these substances. Regulators could require the use of recycled refrigerants in the production of new equipment, and building operators and vehicle owners should adopt refrigerant procurement standards and performance standards to improve lifecycle management.

Delegates attending the workshop

Workshop participants discussed the opportunities, challenges, and support needs of businesses in implementing the National Plan on the Management and Elimination of Ozone-Depleting Substances and Greenhouse Gases, ensuring it is carried out effectively.

Summarizing the feedback, Mr. Tang The Cuong, Director General of the Department of Climate Change, noted that these suggestions will help Vietnam continue its ozone protection efforts, especially in designing practical regulations and fostering inter-sectoral collaboration.

International Ozone Layer Protection Day 2024 marks a comprehensive approach for the world, striving to fulfill both the Vienna Convention and Montreal Protocol while ensuring the successful implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. As an active member, Vietnam will continue to advance its ozone protection, sustainable cooling, and climate change response efforts. Achieving these goals will require ongoing support from international partners, government agencies, and key sectors such as industry, customs, fisheries, and vocational education. Research institutes, universities, and professional associations also play a crucial role in enhancing the human resource capacity needed to realize these plans and programs.

Ngoc Huyen (NRE Newspaper)