WORLD OZONE DAY (SEPTEMBER 16)
World Ozone Day 2023: The theme of World Ozone Day 2023 is ”Montreal Protocol: Fixing the Ozone Layer and Reducing Climate Change.”
WHY SEPTEMBER 16?
In 1994, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 16 September the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, commemorating the date of the signing, in 1987, of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. (came in force in 1989)
Under the protocol, developing and developed countries have equal but differentiated responsibilities reflected in different timetables, but both groups of countries have binding, time targeted and measurable commitments.
The Montreal Protocol also led to the adoption of a Multilateral Fund to aid developing countries in implementation of the protocol.
THE AMENDMENT
The Kigali Agreement was adopted in 2016 to phase-down
HYDROFLUOROCARBONS (HFCs).
- It entered into force in
- It divides nations into 3 groups with a four-step path to achieve 80% reduction in HFCs consumption by 2047.
- It is a legally binding agreement designed to create rights and obligations in international law.
- Up till July 2021, 122 countries have ratified the Kigali amendment.
- Being under Group 2, India will develop its national strategy for phasing down of Hydrofluorocarbons by 2023 (after consultation with industry stakeholders)
ABOUT HYDRO FLUORO CARBONS (HFCs)
HFCs are a group of industrial chemicals primarily used for cooling and refrigeration as replacements for ozone depleting substances.
Though they are not ozone depleting substances, they are part of Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs) with high global warming potential (ranging from 12 to 14,000 of carbon dioxide Global Warming Potential).
