Realizing the full potential of the Montreal Protocol to protect the climate and ozone layer requires consideration of controlled substances’ complete lifecycle: from production and use to leak reduction, recovery, reuse, and environmentally sound disposal. This coordinated approach — known as lifecycle refrigerant management (LRM) — can generate significant climate, atmospheric, and equity benefits at low cost. This paper (now updated to reflect the Parties' landmark decisions on LRM at the Thirty-Fifth Meeting of the Parties) discusses LRM best practices and their potential impact. 

Note: a prior version of this white paper incorrectly stated that the "installed refrigerant bank" is expected to grow to 91 GtCO₂e by 2100. 91 GtCO₂e is in fact the cumulative amount of refrigerant estimated to enter the market by 2100 under baseline compliance with the Kigali Amendment. The report has since been updated.