Today marks the “International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.” In his message on the occasion of the day, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that we can build a safer, healthier, more prosperous and resilient world for all people while protecting our planet, our only home.
In 1994, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 16 September the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, commemorating the date of the signing, in 1987, of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. States were invited to devote the Day to promote activities in accordance with the objectives of the Protocol and its amendments. The ozone layer, a fragile shield of gas, protects the Earth from the harmful portion of the rays of the sun, thus helping preserve life on the planet.
The phase-out of controlled uses of ozone depleting substances and the related reductions have not only helped protect the ozone layer for this and future generations, but have also contributed significantly to global efforts to address climate change; and it has protected human health and ecosystems by limiting the harmful ultraviolet radiation from reaching the earth. The theme for this year's International Ozone Day recognises the collective efforts of the parties to the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol towards the restoration of the ozone layer over the past three decades and the global commitment to combat climate change.
In his message on the occasion of the day, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that not so long ago, humanity stood on the brink of a self-inflicted catastrophe. He noted that the use of ozone-depleting substances such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) had torn a hole in the ozone layer that protects us from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation.
img:http://s2.psmnews.mv/images/660x400/14740171556286.jpg|An area in Vietnam severely affected by drought - FILE Photo: Xinhua
Ban added that we have tackled this challenge citing that 30 years ago, the international community signed the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer. Under its Montreal Protocol, the world united to slash the production and consumption of CFCs and other ozone-depleting substances. He added that together, we have succeeded in putting the stratospheric ozone layer on the road to recovery by the middle of this century. Ban said that as a result, up to 2 million cases of skin cancer may be prevented each year, along with even more avoided cases of eye cataracts.
UN Secretary General said that as we look forward to the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the effort by governments later this year in Paris to forge a new, collective path forward on climate change, the Montreal Protocol’s success should inspire us.
He noted that work of the Montreal Protocol is not yet done, and that Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) have been used as replacements for many ozone-depleting substances. While they do not deplete the ozone layer, they are extremely potent greenhouse gases and will contribute a great deal of warming to our already overheated planet in the coming decades unless we act now.
Many countries are now considering using the Montreal Protocol regime to phase down HFCs. Maldives has also adopted a HCFC Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP) prepared as part of the continued work of Maldives towards protection of the Ozone layer. The HPMP is prepared to enable the Government to meet the obligations towards Montreal Protocol and its Amendments.