Ozone treaties are “inspiring examples”: UN Chief

NEW YORK: Antonio Gutteres, Secretary-General, United Nation (UN), in a message applauded the “Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer” which was framed in 1985. He also appreciated its Montreal Protocol and the Protocol’s Kigali Amendment. He said that these treaties on Ozone layer conservation present “inspiring examples” of global political unity towards environment protection. The UN General Assembly has proclaimed the day of September 16 as the International Day for the Preservation of Ozone Layer. This was done in commemoration of the day “Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete Ozone Layer” was signed. This year the theme was “Ozone for Life”, which clearly depicts its importance for life on Earth and the need to protect the same. 

Gutteres added that we should show similar dedication in fighting with the health emergency of COVID, as we have shown in climate conservation. There is a need for more strong and pandemic resilient societies. The Vienna Convention was the first such initiative towards climate protection and preserving the ozone layer. Montreal Protocol was adopted by the countries to replace the emission of aerosols and other harmful gases which contribute towards ozone depletion. Till now almost 90 per cent of these gases have been replaced that has helped the ozone layer to heal. 

Working on the Kigali Agreement, countries are trying to find a replacement of coolant gases. Gutteres said that these coolants are posing a great threat towards the goal of climate conservation. If fully implemented the Kigali Agreement can hold the level of Global Warming down by almost 0.4 degree Celsius, he added.