UNITED NATIONS, Sep 16 : The Ozone layer, which acts as a shield and protects life on the Earth from the Sun\u2019s harmful ultraviolet rays, is steadily recovering , UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said, while underscoring the key role of the Montreal Protocol in that shield\u2019s recuperation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe ozone layer, once an ailing patient, is on the road to recovery,\u201d the UN chief said on the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow, it\u2019s time to go further,\u201d Guterres added<\/p>\n
Signed in 1987 , the Montreal Protocol is a landmark multilateral environmental agreement that regulates the consumption and production of nearly 100 man-made chemicals, or \u2018ozone-depleting substances\u2019 (ODS).<\/p>\n
\u201cAt a time when multilateralism is under severe strain, the Montreal Protocol to help protect the ozone layer stands out as a powerful symbol of hope, \u201d the secretary-general said in his message.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is a reminder that when countries show political resolve for the common good, change is possible,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn uniting the world to phase out the consumption and production of different ozone depleting substances, the Protocol has also contributed to shielding carbon sinks, protecting humanity\u2019s health, and avoiding economic losses,\u201d according to the UN chief.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Protocol\u2019s Kigali Amendment \u2014 which focuses on phasing down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) \u2013 powerful climate-warming gases \u2013 can contribute to advancing climate mitigation efforts, protecting people and planet. And that is needed more than ever as temperature records continue to shatter,\u201d the UN chief said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf fully ratified and implemented, the Kigali Amendment could help avoid as much as 0.5 degrees Celsius of global heating by the end of this century. Yet, a range of climate solutions \u2013 including those related to refrigerants and energy efficiency \u2013 are also needed to avert a climate crisis by mid-century, he said, noting that four out of every five nations have ratified the amendment, but the clock is ticking.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn this World Ozone Day, let\u2019s commit to making peace with our planet. Let\u2019s commit to build on the success of the Montreal Protocol to show what international cooperation at its best can achieve.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
UNITED NATIONS, Sep 16 : The Ozone layer, which acts as a shield and protects life on the Earth from the Sun\u2019s harmful ultraviolet rays, is steadily recovering , UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said, while underscoring the key role of the Montreal Protocol in […]<\/p>\n
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