Pakistan is the most vulnerable country to the atmospheric depletion of Ozone layer due to inadequate resources to overcome the effects of environmental degradation.
It is high time to change behaviour towards environment by creating awareness among the masses, said Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi while addressing "Workshop for Awareness on Ozone Layer and Montreal Protocol Activities in Pakistan" organised by the Environment Ministry in collaboration with the UNDP, UNIDO and UNEP here on Friday.
"Ozone layer depletion has been a world-wide concern for last two decades. Almost 196 UN member countries have signed the Montreal Protocol which shows the commitment of the entire world to tackle the problem of ozone layer depletion, which is essential for sustainable life on this Planet, said Afridi, adding that Ozon layer, which is so essential for life on earth, is unfortunately being depleted due to a few man-made chemicals.
Afridi further said that Pakistan is fully committed to its international obligations towards protecting the earth. Referring to COP 16 at Cancun, Mexico, he said that scientists and environmentalists had laid special emphasis on promoting activities to minimise Ozone depleting substances by establishing multilateral fund.
The Minister further said that global community especially the developing countries were facing the challenge for 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).
The Minister termed healthy environment a pre-requisite for socio-economic development and said, "only government can not tackle the issue, it is the national obligation of every citizen to take part in improving environmental conditions in the country."
Federal Secretary Environment M. Javaid Malik said that protection of Ozone was one part of environment which cannot be ignored since any damage to the Ozone layer could have serious consequences for the life on earth. He said the damage done by the Ultraviolet rays may not be visible but in long-term these rays have the potential to cause serious diseases in humans.
Joint Secretary (International Co-operation) Abid Ali said that the main objective of this workshop was to increase the awareness about the depletion of the Ozone Layer and to update about the activities related to Montreal Protocol in Pakistan. He informed that excessive depletion of Ozone Layer due to release of man made chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), Halons, carbon tetrachloride (CTC) and methyl bromide etc causes thinning of Ozone Layer.