A report has just been presented to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in respect of the Montreal Protocol, that covers the propellant gases in Metred Dose Inhalers.
Pgs 38-40 highlight the UK position, and the work of the Expert Working Group on reducing the climate change impact of inhalers, in addressing the challenge of high global warming potential propellants. The report content predates the publication of the NHS Long Term Plan.
On the 1st of January 2019 the Kigali Amendment to the UN Montreal Protocol came into force committing countries to phase down their use of F-gases. This includes the 2 propellants currently used in MDI (HFA 134a and 227a), but also the lower impact HFA 152a.The amendment has been ratified by the UK. Indeed an EU wide F-gas phasedown is already in effect, the UK has committed to maintain this post-Brexit.
Phasing down F-gases under the Montreal Protocol is expected to avoid up to 0.5°C of global warming by the end of the century, while continuing to protect the ozone layer.
Kind regards,
Jerome Baddley CEnv FIEMA
Head of Unit- Sustainable Development Unit (SDU)
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