Message by the Minister of the Environment and Water Resources

International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer 2013

“A healthy atmosphere, the future we want”

 

This year the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) has chosen the theme “A healthy atmosphere, the future we want” to mark the global observance of the International Day for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, celebrated annually on 16^th September.   The Montreal Protocol has been hailed as a prime example of successful international cooperation to protect the global commons, since in addition to protecting the ozone layer, the Montreal Protocol also continues to protect the global climate as all ozone depleting substances also contribute to global warming.

Political commitment by all Governments of the world, including Trinidad and Tobago have been fundamental to the milestones achieved under the Protocol which have in turn generated trust and confidence to meet future challenges such as the phasing out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and the introduction of ozone and climate friendly alternatives such as hydrocarbon (HCs) in the air conditioning and refrigeration sector.

As we join with other nations to celebrate this occasion, let us take a moment to reflect on the global efforts made thus far to preserve, protect and rehabilitate the ozone layer.  Let us take this opportunity also to reflect on the efforts made by Trinidad and Tobago toward saving this Ultraviolet (UV) shield which is approximately 3-5 mm thick and found in the stratosphere. 

Evidence of a threat to the ozone layer was discovered by scientists in the 1970s. That discovery was the impetus for the development of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.  This Protocol is an international agreement under which countries worldwide have committed to phase out Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS), and to replace these damaging chemicals with ozone-friendly substances and products. Trinidad and Tobago acceded to the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer on August 28, 1989, and operates under paragraph 1 of Article V, which refers specifically to developing countries. Since that time Trinidad and Tobago has ratified all subsequent amendments to the Protocol.

Some of the ozone depleting chemicals which are targeted by the Montreal Protocol includes: chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) found in the air conditioning, refrigeration and foam sector; halons, a fire suppressant; methyl chloroform, a solvent; and methyl , a fumigant as well as products using these chemicals or any blends of these chemicals.  The ‘ozone hole’, was created by the destruction of ozone molecules from the use of these ozone depleting substances.  As a result of the formation of the “ozone hole” humans as well as entire ecosystems can be severely affected.  Indeed, research has shown that excessive exposure to ultra-violet radiation is harmful to all life forms, from microscopic plants found in the ocean, to farm animals and human beings, all are at risk. The effects on humans are manifested through increasing incidences of eye-cataracts, non-melanoma skin cancers, damage to genetic DNA and suppression of the efficiency of the immune system.

A quicker phase out of all ODSs and the replacement of these by alternatives and substitutes will help in the restoration of the ozone layer.  This ozone layer protects us from harmful UV rays, while still allowing the warmth of the sun into the earth’s atmosphere. Satellite remote sensing of ozone has played a large part in verifying ozone depletion by providing researchers with a relatively long-term and continual picture of the global ozone environment. If we stop all emissions of ODS today, it would still take many years for the ozone layer to repair itself due to the long lifespan of the ODSs some exceeding 100 years depending on the type. Hence for the sake of future generations, we need to stop adding to the vast amounts of ozone depleting substances already found in the atmosphere.  

Arresting the deterioration of, and ultimately restoring, the ozone layer to its original state is one of the major environmental challenges facing the global community. The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago remains committed to fulfilling our obligations under the Montreal Protocol and will continue to do our part to help save the ozone layer.

Some of the special measures already taken by Trinidad and Tobago as part of the phase-out process include:

·         Implementation of a series of Public Awareness Programmes

·         Implementation of a series of training programmes in Good Refrigeration Practices for Trainers and Technicians in the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry

·         Implementation of a freeze and the introduction of a quota system on the importation of ODS since July 1, 1999

·         Introduction of an exporting licensing system for all ODS and refrigerant introduced in 2013

·         Imposing restrictions on the importation and exportation of equipment requiring the use of ODS; and most notably;

·         The ban of imports of CFCs and halons into Trinidad and Tobago since December 31^st 2007

It is to be noted however that our phase out efforts are not over, and there are more ozone depleting substances still to be phased out by this country. One such ODS is hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC). The phase out of this substance began on January 1, 2013.  The phase out of methyl bromide is also on the agenda and will be phased out completely for non quarantine and pre shipment uses by 2015.

The Ministry in collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards has also recently collaborated to develop new labelling requirement for refrigerant imports. Additionally there is also now the introduction of the ozone and climate friendly refrigerant – hydrocarbon onto the local market, which has had great success in other Parties to the Montreal Protocol. IN this regard the Ministry is spearheading several training programmes for technicians in the air conditioning and refrigeration industry free of charge to sensitize them on this new refrigerant.

As we reflect on our achievements under the Montreal Protocol, we should consider this year’s theme, which reinforces the fact that we must work together as partners in this global community to achieve benefits which include a healthy lifestyle, an aspiration common to all mankind. It is to be noted that Trinidad and Tobago’s adherence to the Protocol is also consistent with this Government’s environmental agenda.  We must acknowledge that there is still much to be done to restore the ozone layer, and all citizens should pledge to do their part to help take some action no matter how small.

As citizens of Trinidad and Tobago and of the larger global community, we must all strive to be ozone friendly.  Being ozone friendly means taking individual action to reduce and eliminate impacts on the stratospheric ozone layer caused by the products that we buy, the appliances and equipment that our households or businesses use, or the manufacturing process used by our companies.  

We must also take the necessary steps to protect ourselves from the harmful ultra violet rays emitted by the sun especially in a tropical island such as ours. Failure to do this may result in such things as skin cancer, eye cataracts, premature wrinkling of the skin and weakening of the immune system. In fact, the Trinidad and Tobago National Cancer Registry has previously indicated that during the ten year period 1995-2005, 70.6% of all melanoma cases was found in the skin, with 66.7% of all melanoma deaths also being found in the skin. In addition, the Registry notes that the age groups most vulnerable to skin cancer are individuals of age 35-39 years and 75-79 years.

All citizens can protect themselves from the harmful rays of the sun by using umbrellas/parasols, long sleeved clothing, caps with brims, sunglasses and sun block with UV protection.  

I challenge each of you to do your part in the global effort to save the ozone layer and thereby minimize the health-related effects of ozone depletion.  We owe it to this and future generations to protect and preserve this precious natural shield. Each citizen of our nation and of our planet needs to commit to take action now.  Remember, when it comes to saving the environment, every action counts!