Since 1987, several amendments and adjustments have been adopted. The recent reduction schedules and deadlines of 2019-2020 have made this 31st Montreal Protocol (MOP31) ever more crucial.

Centro Studi Galileo (CSG), together with the Italian and European Associations of Refrigeration Technicians (ATF - AREA) have taken on an active role, organising several events on the sidelines of MOP31. The 2019 International Special Issue was officially launched with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to seal the collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme.

The activities started on 05 November, with a side event dedicated to the ‘Servicing Industry in Africa and in Other Developing Countries: Capacity Building for Enhancing Energy Efficiency in RAC Equipment.’ Two further events followed on 06 November, starting in the morning with AREA’s workshop on ‘The Transition to Alternative Technology: The European Experience.’

Since 2006, the EU has had regulations on HFC management and technology has transitioned fast to favour low GWP refrigerants and energy efficiency - and UNEP, AREA, EPEE and IIR together showed Europe's experience as the first region to implement a phase down of HFCs.

Italy is one of the worldwide main actors in the HVACR field, with the largest production and turnover with regard to refrigeration - in recent years the peninsula has presented many solutions with alternative refrigerants to lower the environmental impact and adapt to the latest regulations. Centro Studi Galileo continuously provides training and takes part in various projects that support compliance with the UN SDGs.

The 2019 International Special Issue from CSG aims to reach a technical audience, as well as readers from a range of backgrounds including end users, Government and industry. The publication was officially handed out to all representatives of the 197 signatory states of the Montreal Protocol, heads of state, association presidents and government representatives.