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September 16th is International
Ozone Day. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Montreal
Protocol – Global Partnership for Global Benefits” which will
highlight the partnerships used by countries worldwide that have
signed the Montreal Protocol to protect the ozone layer. Jamaica
ratified the Montreal Protocol in 1993, and is among the over 190
Parties.
The ozone layer is a layer of
gas around the earth about 10 - 15 km above the earth’s surface. It
traps harmful ultra violet rays which may cause skin cancer, lower
the immune system and reduce crop yield in crops such as rice. In
the 1980’s scientist discovered a hole in the ozone layer. Further
research revealed that this was caused by man made substances such
as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) used in air conditioning units,
refrigerators and refrigeration systems; halons in fire
extinguishers and methyl bromide used as an insecticide.
In 2006, Jamaica became the
first country in the Caribbean to phase out CFCs, four years ahead
of the 2010 deadline, and has phased out halons in fire
extinguishers since 2002. Currently there is a project to phase out
other ODS like methyl bromide, and a project to develop a management
plan for phase out of hydro-chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) will begin
this year. Jamaica was given an ‘Exemplary Project Recognition’
award by the United Nations Environment Programme in 2007 for
outstanding performance in the Refrigerant Management Plan and
Terminal Phase Out Plan. Prior to this, in 2003 the National Ozone
Unit (NOU) in Jamaica was given an award for outstanding work done
during the period 2001 – 2002. Other achievements of the NOU include
the publication of a Code of Practice Booklet for the Refrigeration
and Air-Conditioning Industry which provides minimum standards for
good practices in refrigeration.
“Jamaica has been very
successful in implementing the country programme to phase out ODS.
This success would not have been possible without the support from
local and international partners which provided financial as well as
technical assistance,” said Ms. Nicol Walker, Manager of the
National Ozone Unit.
For more information on
International Ozone Day you can contact the National Ozone Unit at
the National Environment and Planning Agency at 754-7540.
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