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Precious Manomano Herald Reporter

Zimbabwe has joined the rest of the world in commemorating International day for the preservation of the ozone layer which is dedicated to reminding people across the world on the need to protect the ozone layer. 

On the day, the world also commemorated the signing of Montreal protocol on September 16, 1987 by a number of countries that were apprehensive about the depletion of the ozone layer. 

This year’s theme was “Montreal Protocol — Keeping us, our food and vaccines cool”.

In a statement to mark the day, Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu said this year Zimbabwe ratified the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, thus effectively joining the current drive towards zero global warming and zero ozone depleting substances. 

The Kigali amendment to the Montreal protocol is an international agreement which was set to gradually reduce the consumption and production of hydrofluorocarbons .

Minister Ndlovu also embarked on enabling activities for hydro-fluorocarbons phase down in the refrigeration and air conditioning. 

“This year’s theme recognises the important role of refrigeration in preserving perishable food stuffs including the whole food supply chain. More-over, during this Covid-19 pandemic, the refrigeration and air conditioning sector within the provisions of the Montreal Protocol has played a crucial role in preserving our vaccines some of which need very low temperatures during transportation and storage. 

Most of these Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) are “Greenhouse Gases” (GHGs) that trap outgoing radiation thereby contributing significantly to global warming and climate change,” he said. 

Minister Ndlovu said the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol makes bold moves to phase-out hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants that have high global warming potential and contribute to climate change. 

“Man-made chemicals used mostly in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) are depleting the stratospheric ozone layer,” he said. 

The stratospheric ozone layer acts as a shield to protect life on Earth from dangerous ultra-violet (UV) radiation from the sun. The ozone layer limits harmful solar radiation from reaching the earth’s surface by allowing only sufficient UV doses that are needed for the sustenance of life for human beings, plants and animals. 

Depletion of this vital protective shield causes eye cataracts, skin cancers and suppresses the immune system in human beings. Ozone layer depletion reduces crop yields, degrades synthetic materials and affects aquatic organisms. 

The World Ozone day provides an opportunity to reflect the progress that has been made towards the protection of the ozone layer and it serves as a reminder to decision makers and the general public of the need to protect this valuable shield that safeguards the earth in the   long-run.