Zimpapers Logo

Ivan Zhakata recently in Darwendale

ZIMBABWE continues to reduce consumption of all chemicals that deplete the ozone layer and should have phased these out by 2030 through the implementation of the Montreal Protocol.

The Montreal Protocol on the substances that deplete the ozone layer was adopted by the international community on September 6, 1987 after ozone holes appeared over Antarctica and major remedial action became urgent.

The main contributors to ozone depletion were the hydrochloroflourocarbons used for refrigeration and air conditioning, charging aerosol cans, foam insulation, fire-fighting and agriculture, among others.

While stable and non-toxic, hence their popularity, they persist in the atmosphere and under the right conditions can react with the ozone and deplete the layer, allowing more damaging ultraviolet light to reach the surface.

New chemicals have been developed that can fulfil the same functions, but some require careful training and implementation of different safety standards.

In a speech read on his behalf during a media workshop on ozone layer protection in Darwendale, the director in the Department of Climate Change in the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Mr Washington Zhakata, said Zimbabwe did not produce ozone layer depleting substances, but did import these to meet domestic needs.

Mr Zhakata said once the ozone layer was depleted, it allowed excessive ultraviolet radiation to get to the earth’s surface and too much exposure to UVR which causes skin cancer, eye cataracts, and immune suppression in human beings. 

Aquatic organisms, plants and synthetic materials are also affected by exposure to UVR.

“The Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer has achieved a lot of success since its entry into force in 1989,” Mr Zhakata said.

“The world has managed to reduce more than 99 percent of substances that were depleting the ozone layer. As we focus on phasing out the remaining quantities of ozone depleting substances mainly the hydrochloroflourocarbons (HCFCs), we are now looking at other environmental benefits associated with the phasing out of these chemicals.” 

Mr Zhakata said environmental challenges such as ozone layer depletion and climate change were closely interlinked and people should not celebrate the recovery of the ozone layer in the midst of other environmental challenges such as global warming, persistent droughts, floods and desertification.

He said HCFCs contributed to both the depletion of the ozone layer and global warming and by reducing HCFC consumption, the Montreal Protocol was safeguarding the stratospheric ozone layer as well as the global climate system.

He said the Government completed the implementation of the first stage of the HCFC Phase out Management Plan (HPMP) and applied for funding for Stage II HPMP implementation.

“I am happy to inform you that the second stage HPMP project was approved during the 86th meeting of the Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund,” said Mr Zhakata. 

“The second stage of HPMP implementation will see the country reducing its HCFC consumption by 67.5 percent in 2025 and completely phasing out the use of HCFC by 2030.” 

Mr Zhakata said HCFCs were still extensively used in refrigeration and air conditioning in Zimbabwe and the Ministry was working closely with stakeholders to ensure the country complied with the HCFC phase out schedules under the Montreal Protocol.