EIA was delighted to be among 60 recipients recognized in the Ozone Awards 2017 by Parties to the Montreal Protocol for extraordinary commitment and outstanding contributions to fighting climate change.
The awards ceremony in Canada last month was organized by the Ozone Secretariat in collaboration with the Government of Canada to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Montreal Protocol and was attended by Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, as well as other international dignitaries.
EIA was singled out for a Partnership Award in recognition of its unique contributions over several decades. The Secretariat noted: “EIA has been a leading international NGO working to reduce ODS [Ozone-Depleting Substances] and HFCs [hydrofluorocarbons] under the Montreal Protocol. From hard-hitting investigations on illegal ODS trade to successful advocacy to accelerate the HCFC [hydrochlorofluorocarbons] phase-out and adopt a global HFC phase-down, EIA plays a unique and valuable role within the Montreal Protocol family.
“EIA campaigners regularly participate at Montreal Protocol and MLF meetings, and have produced over 30 publications providing technical, legal and policy advice to support an HFC phase-down.”
All the awards presented were custom-made by Canadian artists; EIA’s sculpture was created by sculptor Tracey-Mae Chambers.
“This award encourages us to continue the critical work we have been doing for the last three decades at the Montreal Protocol,” said Alexander von Bismarck, Executive Director, EIA U.S. “EIA pioneered the use of undercover documentary evidence, to expose the illegal trade in ozone-depleting substances. Today we leverage a global intelligence and advocacy network at the highest levels of government, civil society, and industry, combined with deep policy expertise, to spur changes in the cooling market demand, local, national and international laws, and enforcement.”
After accepting the award from Meelis Münt, Estonia’s Deputy Minister of Environment, Climate Campaign Leader Clare Perry said: “EIA has long been in the vanguard of NGOs working on climate change, from our earliest undercover investigations into the smuggling of illegal ozone-depleting substances in the mid-1990s to the sharing of our technical expertise at the highest levels.
“It is gratifying to see the work of so many dedicated colleagues, past and present, honored with this award.”
The Ozone Awards recognize the achievements of individuals, groups, and organizations that have shown extraordinary commitment and contribution to implementation of the Montreal Protocol in the past 10 years. This year’s winners across the eight categories were chosen by an international jury of eight members after pre-screening by a selection committee.
Clare Perry accepted the 2017 Ozone Award on behalf of the two EIA offices, in Washington, DC and London UK. Meelis Münt (c) Francis Dejon / IISD ENB