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Annex XII: Declaration regarding methyl bromide

Document type
Decision
Reference number
-
Date
Sep 17, 1997
Source
UNEP, InforMEA
Status
Active
Subject
Waste & hazardous substances, Air & atmosphere
Treaty
Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (Sep 16, 1987)
Meeting
Ninth Meeting of the Parties
Website
ozone.unep.org
Abstract

by

BOLIVIA, BURUNDI, CANADA, CHILE, COLOMBIA, DENMARK, GHANA, ICELAND, NAMIBIA, NETHERLANDS, NEW ZEALAND, ROMANIA, SWITZERLAND, URUGUAY AND VENEZUELA

Whereas, the World Meteorological Organization has concluded that methyl bromide is highly destructive to the ozone layer, and that the 1994 Scientific Assessment Panel concluded that the elimination of methyl bromide is the single most significant step Governments can take to reduce future ozone loss,

Whereas, it is also clear that methyl bromide is highly toxic to workers, public health, and the global ecosystem,

Whereas, TEAP 1994 and 1997 reports have identified a wide range of economically viable alternatives to methyl bromide in both industrialized and developing countries,

Whereas, a recent report by Environment Canada has estimated the global economic benefits associated with reduced UV-B exposure to be $459 billion by 2060,

Whereas, the tenth anniversary Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol failed to adopt a phase-out schedule which will adequately protect public health and the environment from increased UV-B radiation,

Be it resolved that:

Urgent action is needed on the national and international level to phase-out methyl bromide as soon as possible.

Therefore, the undersigned countries pledge to promote sustainable alternatives to methyl bromide in their own nations and worldwide.

Montreal, 17 September 1997