ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Climate Change and Environment Romina Khurshid Alam said on Wednesday that global efforts to restore the ozone hole are being stepped up at the highest level, while the ministry is focusing on important aspects of protecting the ozone layer.
This depletion poses a great risk. However, in the United Nations Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol, global efforts are encouraged to reduce the ozone hole to its maximum extent.” it can be cured,” he said.
In a press release, he spoke to the National Ozone Division of the Department of Climate Change for a training program for customs and enforcement officials on the Montreal Protocol and HCFC controls.
Highlighting the importance of the ozone layer, he said that the ozone layer is essential for life on Earth
“We know it protects against harmful sunlight, prevents serious health problems like skin cancer and cataracts, and protects ecosystems and wildlife.”
Explaining the status of implementation of UN conventions, he said that Pakistan has an important role in these UN conventions.
Pakistan ratified the Montreal Protocol in 1992, which sets out our obligations to eliminate ozone-depleting substances (ODS).
To implement this process, the Government of Pakistan established a special National Ozone Unit (NOU) in 1996. This department works with Pakistan Customs, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Industry, Ministry of Commerce, technicians and engineers, importers and traders. He has successfully completed ten rounds of the Montreal Protocol.
In addition, Pakistan has phased out the first generation of ozone depleting substances by 2009 and achieved a 50% reduction in HCFCs by January 2020, and “successful on the track to achieve a 67.5% reduction by 2025” – he said. to ozone-friendly technologies, demonstrating our collective determination and on track to achieve our future goals. “
Emphasizing the role of customs officials, said customs officials play an important role in managing ozone-depleting substances by ensuring strict enforcement of rules and preventing illegal imports.
Their vigilance and expertise are essential in implementing measures to protect and restore the ozone layer, protecting the environment and public health. This training is essential for the role of customs and enforcement officials in controlling and preventing illicit trade in ODS.
Their efforts ensure that our borders and markets are free from ozone depleting substances. Overall, by training more than 2,500 technicians and more than 300 customs officers, NOU has effectively increased our national capacity to manage and manage ODS.
He reiterated his commitment and said that our journey is not over here, adding, “We continue our determination to protect the environment. We are now preparing for the upcoming HFC phase and the transformation of Kigali.”
Focusing on the ministry’s climate action, he said the ministry’s National Ozone Division, along with Hima-Wertai and Clasp, has developed the Pakistan Refrigeration Action Plan to reduce carbon emissions associated with refrigeration products.
He said that this study, which coincides with World Environment Day 2024, is proof of our commitment to protect the environment in real and practical terms, and that it is a joint effort that demonstrates our commitment to the principles of the Montreal Protocol.
He said he wanted to reiterate the current government’s commitment to the Prime Minister’s unwavering commitment to climate action and said, “Our collective efforts to protect the ozone layer show our commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development. Let’s continue to work together, inspired by the theme environment day.
