Halon management and ozone-depleting substances control in Jordan

The Montreal Protocol’s Multilateral Fund is often hailed as a key component of strategies aimed at reducing the amount of ozone-depleting substances in the less-developed countries. Yet, while there are studies that exemplify how the fund has been implemented as well as the strategies that individual countries adopt, there is still a lack of academic literature about the steps taken and implemented to devise successful alternative production strategies. In this case study, we analyze Jordon’s current strategy to reduce ozone-depleting Halon 1211 and 1301, two fully halogenated hydrocarbons that are extensively used in Jordan for their exceptional fire-extinguishing characteristics. In response to the Montreal Protocol, an international treaty to phase out halon use, Jordan adopted a halon management program to manage the use of halons, build strategic reserves for “essential uses,” and limit the amount of these substances that are released into the atmosphere. This study presents the actual inventory data of halons in Jordan in addition to the challenges and obstacles in the halon bank management system in Jordan. Moreover, this research covers the prospects of Jordan halons banking to achieve the goal of meeting Jordan’s halons demand for essential uses up to the year 2030. To this end as well as to fulfill Jordan’s commitment to the Montreal Protocol, the research recommends finding the balance between effectively enforcing regulations against the use of ozone-depleting substances while being able to meet halons demand for the essential uses until alternatives are comparably affordable and available on the national market. The research recommends that regulations should be supported with effective governance measures to minimize the occurrences of ozone-depleting substances escaping into the atmosphere as well as to meet halons demand.