India Celebrates World Ozone Day: Achievements Under the Montreal Protocol
New Delhi [India], September 13: The Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Climate Change celebrated World Ozone Day, highlighting India’s significant milestones under the Montreal Protocol. Valentin Foltescu, Officer in Charge of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) India, praised India’s efforts since 1992 in safeguarding the ozone layer.
India’s Role in the Montreal Protocol
Foltescu emphasized that India’s journey under the Montreal Protocol has been marked by significant achievements through the efforts of various stakeholders and UN agencies. He stated, “Since 1992, India has played a leading role in safeguarding the ozone layer. The Montreal Protocol stands as a testament to human ingenuity and international cooperation.”
Achievements and Leadership
India has successfully implemented 478 projects over the past three decades, demonstrating strong leadership in addressing climate change. The Montreal Protocol regulates nearly 100 human-made chemicals that deplete the ozone layer, phasing them out in a step-wise manner.
UNDP’s Perspective
Angela Lusigi, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), commended India for exceeding its goal of reducing hydrofluorocarbons by 50% by 2023, achieving a 63% reduction. She noted that since adopting the 1987 Montreal Protocol, 99% of ozone-depleting substances have been eliminated.
Lusigi also highlighted the UNDP’s collaboration with micro and medium enterprises in India to phase out harmful substances and promote environmentally friendly alternatives. She said, “We’re working very closely with the Micro and Medium Enterprises sector in India as a key driver of India’s economic growth to phase out ozone-depleting substances.”
Doubts Revealed
World Ozone Day -: World Ozone Day is a special day celebrated every year on September 16th to remind people about the importance of the ozone layer, which protects us from the sun’s harmful rays.
Montreal Protocol -: The Montreal Protocol is an international agreement signed by many countries in 1987 to stop using chemicals that harm the ozone layer. It has been very successful in helping to repair the ozone layer.
UNEP -: UNEP stands for the United Nations Environment Programme. It is a part of the United Nations that works to protect the environment and promote sustainable development.
UNDP -: UNDP stands for the United Nations Development Programme. It helps countries to improve their living conditions and achieve sustainable development.
Hydrofluorocarbons -: Hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs, are chemicals used in things like air conditioners and refrigerators. They can harm the environment by contributing to global warming.
Ozone-depleting substances -: Ozone-depleting substances are chemicals that damage the ozone layer. Examples include CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) and halons, which were used in things like spray cans and fire extinguishers.
Eco-friendly alternatives -: Eco-friendly alternatives are products or methods that do not harm the environment. For example, using natural refrigerants instead of harmful chemicals in air conditioners.
