Lanka plays major role in protecting ozone layer

16 September 2015 06:30 pm - 0 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

s the world yesterday marked International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, the United Nations Secretary General Ban ki-Moon had some good news that effective steps had been taken to protect the ozone layer and he appealed that similar steps be taken by the world in a joint effort to curb climate change.
The UN Chief in a special message said the stratospheric ozone layer was on the road to recovery by the middle of this century and thus up to two million cases of skin cancer and even more cases of eye cataracts could be prevented each year. Indeed a health revolution.
“Not so long ago, humanity stood on the brink of a self-inflicted catastrophe. Our use of ozone-depleting substances such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) (used widely in Sri Lanka also) had torn a hole in the ozone layer that protected us from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation. But we tackled this challenge. Thirty 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. Together, we have succeeded in putting the stratospheric ozone layer on the road to recovery.

“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. But the work of the Montreal Protocol is not yet done. 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,” The UN chief warned.

“Many countries are now considering using the Montreal Protocol regime to phase down HFCs. A political commitment to managing HFCs under the Montreal Protocol could be one of the biggest climate change wins in the lead-up to the Paris climate conference. It will also be another strong victory for multilateral efforts to safeguard our environment,” Mr. Ban told the world.
Science writer Nalaka Gunawardene who has worked as a consultant with the Ministry of Environment and UN Environment Programme in public communication of ozone and climate-change messages, wrote an article in the Daily Mirror’s opinion page yesterday further explaining how the world has overcome the ozone layer crisis. He says the Montreal Protocol is seen as a prime example of how good science, well covered by the media, led to specific and sustained policy responses. By the end of 2014, it had been signed and ratified by 197 countries, making it the most widely subscribed international treaty of all time.

From 1989 Sri Lanka has been an active participant of the global ozone protection efforts. The Environment Ministry’s National Ozone Unit (NOU) embarked on a national strategy and action plan for phasing out ozone depleting substances.
Writer Gunawardene says providing technical and financial assistance to industries using ozone-depleting substances to phase these out was a core part of this strategy.

Among the developing Asian countries implementing the Montreal Protocol, Sri Lanka was among the first to recognize the value of information, education and communication activities. Changing public attitudes and behaviour is a long and gradual process that requires sustained engagement. So good communications will continue to play an important part in Sri Lanka’s journey towards protecting the ozone layer.

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 0

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Lanka plays major role in protecting ozone layer

Comments - 0

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Western purple-faced langurs see blue!

Most Viewed in News

A US “Kaputa”, a Lankan “Nariya” and a Presidential “Feast”

Confusion remains if April 15 is a bank holiday

New Visa procedure implemented

Sri Lanka defaults on USD 6 billion payment despite rising reserves: Patali

23 year old youth ends up having his testicles removed

Complaint lodged over Piumi Hansamali's possession of Gota’s Range Rover

MIRROR CRICKET

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

Mendis, Mathews move up in ICC Test Rankings

Chamodi, Dewmi spins Sri Lanka U19 Women to big win

Amir, Wasim return to Pakistan national team

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Tax payers poised to cough up Rs.45 million on another debate on Easter attack

Renovation of Anula Maha Seya Mahanayake of Malwatta Chapter requests President to revoke agreement

Court of Appeal orders reallocation of Hajj quotas

Former Deputy Minister Thewarapperuma passes away after being electrocuted

Mendis, Mathews move up in ICC Test Rankings

Security raised for Champions League ties after threat

SLA target four events at Paris Olympic Games

Chamodi, Dewmi spins Sri Lanka U19 Women to big win