Australian fridgies are invited to celebrate World Ozone Day on 16 September, 2024. Refrigerant Reclaim Australia (RRA) general manager, Kylie Farrelley, talks about the significance of this annual event for the HVACR industry.
World Ozone Day provides an opportunity to reflect and celebrate the crucial role of the ozone layer in protecting our planet and human health.
Refrigerant Reclaim Australia acknowledges this year's theme, "Montreal Protocol: Advancing Climate Action," and the significant strides made and recognising the work still ahead in safeguarding our environment.
World Ozone Day serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of proper refrigerant recovery. When refrigerants aren't handled correctly, CFC molecules can rise into the stratosphere, break down, and deplete the ozone layer, allowing more harmful UVB radiation to reach the Earth's surface. Alarmingly, just 1 kilogram of CFC-12 can destroy up to 10 tonnes of stratospheric ozone.
In 1987, the global community adopted the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.
In Australia, the protocol is celebrated for its role in preventing more than 10 Megatonnes of stratospheric ozone depletion. Industry contributions, particularly in reducing HCFC emissions, have been instrumental.
According to CSIRO, total HCFC emissions in Australia have fallen by about 67% from 2,306 metric tonnes in 2002 to 772 metric tonnes in 2021, with ODP-weighted HCFC emissions declining from 128 tonnes in 2002 to 46 tonnes in 2021.
World Ozone Day serves as a powerful reminder of what we can achieve through international cooperation and industry collaboration.
The recovery of the ozone layer is a testament to the effectiveness of the Montreal Protocol and the dedicated efforts of the refrigeration industry, and governments worldwide.
In the past 12 months, more than 90 tonnes of HCFC-22, a commonly used ozone-depleting substance, has been returned for destruction, signalling a reduced demand for R22 reclamation or re-use as legacy equipment reaches the end of its life cycle.
Global concentrations of major CFCs (CFC-11, CFC-12, CFC-113) are in decline, thanks to these collective efforts. Although global concentrations of HCFC-22 continue to grow, the rate has slowed as developed countries advance their HCFC phase-outs.”
The ozone layer is on track to recover to 1980 levels (before the appearance of the ozone hole) by around 2066 over the Antarctic, by 2045 over the Arctic, and by 2040 for the rest of the world, according to UNEP. This recovery is also helping to avoid global warming by 0.5°C.
Refrigerant Reclaim Australia is committed to supporting these global efforts and emphasises the importance of continued vigilance and cooperation. As we celebrate the successes of the past, we must remain focused on the future, ensuring ongoing protection for the ozone layer and our climate.
For more information and how you can get involved, visit www.refrigerantreclaim.com.au