Ozone layer depletion problem: global warming and climate change termed a reality

Global warming and climate change has become reality and the developing countries are the most vulnerable to these changes. Pakistan has made serious efforts to phase out the use of Ozone Depleting Substances and conversion of concerned industries into Ozone-friendly technology.
This was stated by federal secretary Environment Khawaja Muhammad Naeem while addressing the launching ceremony of Hydro-Chlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) Phase-out management Plan (HPMP) in Pakistan here on Tuesday. "Ozone Layer Depletion in the atmosphere has been a world-wide concern for the last more than two decades. About 196 member countries of the world have signed the Montreal Protocol which shows the commitment of entire world to tackle the problem of ozone layer depletion, which is essential for sustained life on the Planet Earth", said Muhammad Naeem.
Federal secretary further said that Pakistan is fully committed to its international obligations towards protecting the earth and its fragile atmosphere and it is matter of satisfaction that it is taking appropriate policy measures. The successful implementation of the HPMP would ensure Pakistan's contribution towards saving the Ozone Layer, he added. Naeem urged the participants of refrigeration industry to make the best use of the investment being brought in by the HPMP and let not miss this opportunity to upgrade the process to protect the Ozone Layer.
The Secretary also said that environment today has become the most talked about topic and globally it is on the top of agenda of every country. Additional Secretary Kamran Ali Qureshi addressing on the occasion said that there are numerous panels of scientists and experts who are continuously working to find the replacements of the Ozone depleting substances.
The developed countries are finding ways to fund the activities of Ozone protection through the multilateral fund. The latest developments are the efforts to link the Ozone layer with climate change so that that a synergy can be created between the Montreal Protocol and the Kyoto Protocol. In fact there is a move by certain countries to bring some of the Kyoto Protocol gases like HFC's into the Montreal Protocol because of its successful implementation, he added.
"Global community especially the developing countries are facing the challenge of the elimination of Hydro-chlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) in foam and refrigeration industry. It is a second kind of Ozone Depleting Chemical Substance which although has low Ozone Depleting Potential (ODP), yet it possesses high Global Warming Potential (GWP).
National Program Director Ozone Cell and Joint Secretary Abid Ali said that Depletion of Ozone today has become one of the most pressing issues with nations globally. Special efforts are being made in all of the countries to increase the awareness about the Ozone Layer and Pakistan cannot remain oblivious of the threats to our environment.