International
Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer 2014
This year the United Nations
Environmental Programme (UNEP) has chosen the theme “Ozone Layer Protection:
the Mission Goes On” to mark the global observance of the International Day
for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, celebrated annually on 16th
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 use 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
·
The development of a
refrigerant standard, and labelling standard for equipment using refrigerant
·
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.
·
Training programmes for technicians in the air
conditioning and refrigeration industry free of charge to sensitize them on
this new refrigerant
·
The
ban of imports of CFCs and halons into Trinidad and Tobago since December 31st
2007
·
The
commencement of the phase out of HCFCs 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. Also equipment using HCFCs or blends of
HCFCs such as HCFC 22, HCFC406, HCFC 408, HCFC409, HCFC401 conditioning units will
no longer be allowed for import from January 1 2015.
The Ministry through
the National Ozone Unit, works in close collaboration with the Trinidad and
Tobago Bureau of Standards, the Customs and Excise Division, the Plant
Quarantine Division, the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Unit, the Air
Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Association, and the Trade Licensing
Unit of the Ministry of Trade Industry Investment and Communications, in
implementing all the national controls for ODSs including the licensing and
quota system, and monitoring of imports.
As
we reflect on our achievements under the Montreal
Protocol, we should consider this year’s theme, which
reinforces the fact that there is still much to be done with regard to ozone
layer protection, and 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 indicated that according to their analyses 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!
