World Ozone Day was observed across the globe on 16th September 2019. To mark the World Ozone Day 2019 in New Delhi, Union Minister of State (MoS) for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Babul Supriyo said that the World Ozone Day offers an opportunity to focus global attention and action on the vital environmental issue of protection of the stratospheric ozone Layer.
- Shri Babul Supriyo further stated that as part of the Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) phase out programme, India has proactively taken the challenge of complete phase out of HCFC 141 b, which is a chemical used by foam manufacturing enterprises by 1.1.2020. Towards meeting this compliance target, the Ozone Cell of the Ministry is providing technical and financial assistance to foam manufacturing enterprises along with UNDP.
- Theme: “32 years and healing” is the theme of 25th World Ozone Day celebrations. The theme signifies over three decades of remarkable international cooperation to protect the ozone layer and also the climate system under the Montreal Protocol. The abundance of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODSs) in the atmosphere is declining and a recent study has indicated that the ozone hole is recovering.
About Ozone Day
- September 16th is World Ozone Day, marking the anniversary of the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, the landmark international agreement focused on helping heal the ozone layer and protecting our planet from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Montreal Protocol
- On September 16, 1987, the United Nations and 45 other countries signed the Montreal Protocol, on substances that deplete the Ozone layer. Every year this day is celebrated as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone layer.
- The purpose of the Montreal Protocol is to protect the Ozone layer by reducing the production of substances that are supposed to be responsible for Ozone layer depletion.
- On September 16, 2009, the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol became the first treaties in the history of the United Nations to achieve universal ratification.
Kigali Amendment
- The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer entered into force on 1 January 2019, following ratification by 65 countries.
- The UN Environment Programme (UNEP, or UN Environment) announced the entry into force, and noted that it will help reduce the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse gases (GHGs), and thus to avoid global warming by up to 0.4°C this century.
- The goal is to achieve over 80% reduction in HFC consumption by 2047. The impact of the amendment will avoid up to 0.5 °C increase in global temperature by the end of the century.
National Cooling Action Plans
- The India Cooling Action seeks to:
- (i) reduce cooling demand across sectors by 20% to 25% by 2037-38,
- (ii) reduce refrigerant demand by 25% to 30% by 2037-38,
- (iii) Reduce cooling energy requirements by 25% to 40% by 2037-38,
- (iv) recognize “cooling and related areas” as a thrust area of research under national S&T Programme,
- (v) training and certification of 100,000 servicing sector technicians by 2022-23, synergizing with Skill India Mission.
