To protect the ozone layer is necessary by avoiding the use of ozone-harmful chemicals. In this concern the awareness among the people is crucial for both health and environment, Muhammad Saleem Shaikh, climate change education specialist and media spokesperson of the climate change and environmental coordination ministry, said this while addressing a press conference regarding the World Ozone Day 2024 on Monday. The press conference commemorated the 37th anniversary of the Montreal Protocol under the theme fixing the Ozone Layer, Healing the Earth." The said protocol was inked to protect the ozone layer and mitigate climate change. Addressing through media, he said “Although the ozone layer is gradually recovering, but the regular use is a still a threat for it. Ozone layer is a protection shield against sun's harming ultraviolet (UV) radiation of sun, found in the Earth's stratosphere, approximately 15-35 kilometres above the Earth's surface”.

Discussing the primary function of the ozone layer and its importance as a part of public awareness, He said that ozone layer is necessary to absorb most of the sun's high-energy UV radiation, particularly UV-B and UV-C rays that harms living organisms (both in water and on earth’s surface) and cause various human diseases, immune system suppression, and a reduction in crop yield The Ministry official said, “The ozone layer itself is not a direct driver of climate change but it influences the earth’s climate indirectly. Certain chemicals including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) not only deplete the ozone layer but act as a potent greenhouse gas contributing in the global warming”. He said that the ministry, in collaboration with national and international stakeholders, has already implemented various programmes and initiatives for phasing out ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and promoting sustainable environmental practices. Muhammad Saleem said, “Pakistan takes pride in its role as an active signatory of the Montreal Protocol by successfully eliminating the consumption of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and is progressing towards the phase-out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).

The senior ministry official said that the ministry implemented a range of initiatives over last more than 10 years for protecting the ozone layer and promoting sustainable development, which have been globally appreciated and recognised at various international forums such as HCFC Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP) and public awareness campaigns on ozone layer depletion, its protection to educate the public and industries on the importance of protecting the ozone layer and the benefits of adopting eco-friendly alternatives. Muhammad Saleem said, “Coordinator to Prime Minister for Climate Change Romina Khurshid Alam has called upon the global community to maintain its focus on sustainable development and climate action, urging the businesses, industries, and citizens to adopt climate-resilient practices and embrace renewable technologies that contribute to the protection of the ozone layer. On this World Ozone Day, let us renew our commitment to safeguarding the planet for future generations. Together, we can ensure a healthier, more sustainable future, added the ministry official.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan