By Obiabin Onukwugha
The latest update from the Scientific Assessment Panel (SAP) to the Montreal Protocol confirms that the ozone layer recovery is on track and ozone levels are expected to return to 1980 levels by around 2066 over the Antarctic.
This reiterates recent findings by the SAP on the positive impact the Montreal Protocol has on climate change. The Montreal Protocol provides for efforts towards ozone recovery and how climate challenges can be supported through the Kigali Amendment.
The theme for the 2023 International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, which is marked 16th September of every year is, “Montreal Protocol: fixing the ozone layer and reducing climate change.”
A statement by the United Nations in commemoration of the 2023 International Day for the preservation of the Ozone Layer, expressed success on the ban on ozone-depleting substances as it allows the ozone layer to slowly recover, thereby preventing diseases associated climate change.
“On World Ozone Day 2023, we celebrate the achievements of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in fixing the ozone layer and reducing climate change.
“The latest update from the Scientific Assessment Panel to the Montreal Protocol confirmed that ozone layer recovery is on track and ozone levels are expected to return to 1980 levels by around 2066 over the Antarctic.
“By banning ozone-depleting substances and allowing the ozone layer to slowly recover, the treaty is also protecting millions of people from skin cancer and eye cataracts, safeguarding ecosystems and slowing down climate change as many ozone-depleting substances were also climate warming gases”, the statement read.
The UN noted that the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol aims to phase down the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
“However, the work and the benefits of the Montreal Protocol is far from over. The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol aims to phase down the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), powerful climate-warming gases that replaced ozone-depleting substances in the cooling industry. Universal ratification of the Amendment and full implementation are crucial, for multiple reasons”, the UN statement further read.
The UN informed that home and office appliances such as air conditions, which were necessitated by increased heat caused by climate change has increased energy efficiency.
The statement further read: “The planet is heating up, which increases the need for air-conditioning in homes, schools and workplaces. At the same time, expanding access to sustainable cold chain, to keep food fresh and vaccines viable, is essential to meet sustainable development aspirations.
“This growth in cooling must be sustainable, which means both finding safe and environmentally friendly alternatives to HFCs and increasing the energy efficiency of cooling equipment. By phasing down HFCs, the Kigali Amendment may result in avoidance of up to 0.5°C of warming by 2100. Implementing energy efficiency measures could potentially double this figure.
“The conclusion is clear: for nearly 4 decades, the Montreal Protocol has been instrumental and will continue to be instrumental in protecting human health, nature and the climate.”