Responding to Ozone Layer Protection Day (September 16): For the life of the earth

• September 16, 2011 15:40

(Baonghean.vn).In the vast universe, the Earth - our "green planet" is like a precious gem full of life, with plants, rivers, animals, humans, the wonderful atmosphere... being the harmonious creation of the infinite Creator. However, along with the development of modern civilization, humans are in a global alarm caused by themselves: the depletion of the Ozone layer. One day in the future, even if it is very far away, the consequences of that depletion will be a disaster greater than all the above consequences.

The risk of ozone layer depletion comes from the chimneys of developed industries, from the increasingly comfortable life of crowded cities that are gradually spreading to rural areas, from the ecological balance being broken due to human exploitation and intentional change.

Photo: Internet source

Recognizing the dangers caused by ozone layer depletion, the international community has called on all countries to limit the production and use of ozone-depleting substances (ODS). In March 1985, the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer was signed by the first 21 countries. In 1987, the Montreal Protocol was signed, with 189 member countries to date, to specify the solutions and commitments of the parties to the Vienna Convention, ensuring the effective implementation of the convention. The Montreal Protocol also provides measures to restrict trade in ODS, and establishes a multilateral fund (with contributions from developed industrial countries) to assist developing countries in implementing this protocol. The Montreal Protocol was amended and supplemented twice in 1990 and 1992 to strengthen the phase-out plan for ODS substances, based on the principle of not causing harm to consumers in reducing ODS substances. On average, each year the Multilateral Fund spends about 150 million USD to help companies in developing countries switch from producing products containing CFC2 to products using substances that do not destroy (or destroy at a lower level) the ozone layer such as HCFC2, HFC2 and other chemicals in products such as hair spray, air conditioners, refrigerators, etc. 2.1 billion USD has been spent over the years to protect the Earth's ozone layer. Since 1995, the United Nations has chosen September 16 every year as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.

Thanks to the efforts of countries and the international community, after decades of destruction, the Earth's ozone layer is recovering. Vietnam ratified the Montreal Protocol on the commitment to eliminate ozone-depleting substances and protect the Earth's atmosphere in 1994. Accordingly, since 2010, Vietnam has begun to reduce the use of ozone-depleting substances such as CFCs, HCFCs, etc. By 2025, Vietnam must reduce its consumption by 67.5%. In recent years, Vietnam has strictly controlled the import of refrigeration equipment, gradually introducing modern and environmentally safe technologies...

In our country, HCFCs are mainly used in the fields of refrigeration, air conditioning, and foam production; the use of HCFCs in industrial refrigeration and air conditioning increases by about 200 tons/year. This leads to an increase in HCFC consumption. Without rapid technological change, it will take a lot of time and money to eliminate HCFCs. A scientific survey also shows that many people are still using old refrigeration equipment and old refrigerators that consume a lot of energy and use a lot of HCFCs.

To limit the use of HCFCs in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry, which is increasing in our country, the State needs to have a policy of financial and technological support for businesses, relevant agencies, and households repairing small refrigeration and air conditioning equipment; this will require a large amount of funding (about 20 million USD) and financial assistance from international organizations in the coming years is very important. Up to now, with efforts to implement the Montreal Protocol, Vietnam has received financial support of 7.3 million USD from the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Protocol to eliminate Ozone Depleting Substances.

If the Ozone layer is considered the "protector" of life on Earth which is in danger of being depleted, then the Montreal Protocol is considered the "lifesaver" for the Ozone layer. And most importantly, humanity should be its own "lifesaver" with high awareness in overcoming the depletion of the Ozone layer through concrete actions.

Mr. Vu