Countries to take stock of Montreal Protocol next week
The UN asks countries to intensify action to eliminate the use of harmful hydrochlorofluorocarbons.
By PTI |
NEW YORK: The United Nations has asked countries to intensify action to eliminate the use of harmful hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) as representatives from almost 200 states prepare to take stock of a landmark treaty to protect the ozone layer, crucial for the survival of life on the planet.
The appeal by Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Achim Steiner came as member countries were preparing to meet on the 20th anniversary of the UN-backed Montreal Protocol aimed at protecting ozone layer, which helps to block harmful radiations from the space.
The meeting will be held next week in Montreal in Canada.
In September 1987, the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was agreed upon, and 191 States who are party to the treaty will attend a five-day conference kicking off on September 17.
"The Montreal Protocol is without doubt one of the most successful multilateral treaties ever and I look forward to celebrating, in mid-September, two decades of achievement in the Canadian city where it was born," said Steiner.
Participants will discuss a recently-released UNEP report which details the benefits of accelerating the phase-out of HCFCs, chemicals used to replace chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which are more damaging to ozone.
Under the Montreal Protocol, HCFCs - which are widely used in refrigeration systems and air conditioners -- are scheduled to be eliminated in developing countries by 2030 and in developing ones by 2040.
The appeal by Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Achim Steiner came as member countries were preparing to meet on the 20th anniversary of the UN-backed Montreal Protocol aimed at protecting ozone layer, which helps to block harmful radiations from the space.
The meeting will be held next week in Montreal in Canada.
In September 1987, the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was agreed upon, and 191 States who are party to the treaty will attend a five-day conference kicking off on September 17.
"The Montreal Protocol is without doubt one of the most successful multilateral treaties ever and I look forward to celebrating, in mid-September, two decades of achievement in the Canadian city where it was born," said Steiner.
Participants will discuss a recently-released UNEP report which details the benefits of accelerating the phase-out of HCFCs, chemicals used to replace chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which are more damaging to ozone.
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Under the Montreal Protocol, HCFCs - which are widely used in refrigeration systems and air conditioners -- are scheduled to be eliminated in developing countries by 2030 and in developing ones by 2040.
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