Every 16th day of September, we mark our calendars to celebrate World Ozone Day to spread awareness among people worldwide about the depletion of the Ozone Layer and find possible solutions to preserve it. It also provides an opportunity to draw worldwide attention and action on this critical environmental issue.
It was declared on January 23, 1995, as the United Nations General Assembly passed Resolution 49/114, stating the said date as World Ozone Day, commemorating the date on which the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the Ozone Layer was signed in 1987.
The Montreal Protocol began as a global agreement to protect the ozone layer, which it has done admirably, making it one of the most successful environmental treaties to date. Because of a concerted global effort to phase out ozone-depleting substances, the hole in the ozone layer is now healing, protecting human health, economies, and ecosystems.
In addition, the phaseout of controlled uses of ozone-depleting substances, as well as the associated reductions, have not only helped protect the ozone layer for current and future generations but have also made significant contributions to global efforts to address climate change; correspondingly, it has protected human health and ecosystems by limiting harmful ultraviolet radiation from reaching the Earth.
The theme for celebrating this year's World Ozone Day is "Montreal Protocol- Keeping us, our food, and vaccines cool." This year's World Ozone Day highlights how the Montreal Protocol contributes to food security by slowing climate change and increasing energy efficiency in the cooling sector.
According to Environment Secretary of the Philippines Roy Climatu, the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is one of the most successful multilateral environmental treaties in history because it has the full support and cooperation of countries such as the Philippines.
Furthermore, the Philippines has always been fully compliant with the Montreal Protocol since it ratified the global agreement to protect the ozone layer from ozone-depleting substances in 1991. (ODS). From 1991 to 2010, the country has fulfilled its commitment of phasing out the first batch or group of ODS in the manufacturing and service sectors. In 1996, we successfully phased out carbon tetrachloride or CTC and methyl chloroform. After three years, it ended the production and consumption of halon, a chemical compound formerly used in firefighting.
Moreover, the country phased out chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) variants—CFC-13, CFC-114, CFC-115—used in various industries as refrigerant, propellant, solvent, and cleaning agent in 1999. CFC-11-containing appliances, such as refrigerators and air conditioners, were outright banned in 2005. Non-quarantine pre-shipment methyl bromide phased out in 2009, and cars with CFC-12 air conditioners have been prohibited from being registered since January 2010.
As climate change and global warming worsen due to ozone depletion, now is the time to take a stand and take action to combat and overcome this environmental crisis. We can begin by promoting the use of sustainable and energy-efficient products, practicing zero emissions, and advocating for zero-carbon products and a renewable source of energy to reduce ozone-depleting substances and produce the healthiest environment possible. We can also support and participate in ozone-saving advocacy campaigns and activities and be a voice for everyone to save the thin layer of the planet's atmosphere on which we rely.
Just as the ozone layer protects Earth's inhabitants from excessive ultraviolet rays from the sun, we must do our part to protect and save the ozone layer from total depletion. We've already made a great start, so there's no point in going halfway.
16 September 2021
References:
Ministry of Environment &Forests, Gov’t of India. (2011). World Ozone Day. http://www.sikenvis.nic.in/ViewEvents.aspx?Id=8811&Year=2021
United Nations.(n.d). International Day for the Protection of Ozone Layer. https://www.un.org/en/observances/ozone-day
Department of Environment and Natural Resources.(2018). Cimatu: PH Never Wavered in Commitment to Phase Out Ozone Depleting Chemicals. https://www.denr.gov.ph/index.php/news-events/press-releases/714-cimatu-ph-never-wavered-in-commitment-to-phase-out-ozone-depleting-chemical
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