Islamabad: On the occasion of World Ozone Day 2024, Muhammad Saleem Shaikh, a climate change education specialist and spokesperson for the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, emphasized the critical importance of protecting the ozone layer for both human health and environmental sustainability. In a statement released today, Shaikh highlighted the ongoing global efforts to combat ozone layer depletion and the specific actions being undertaken by Pakistan under the Montreal Protocol.
According to Press Information Department, the national observance of World Ozone Day aligns with the global theme “Montreal Protocol: Fixing the Ozone Layer, Healing the Earth,” marking the 37th anniversary of the protocol a pivotal agreement in the international environmental landscape. Shaikh noted that despite the ozone layer’s gradual recovery, the use of harmful chemicals and unsustainable practices continue to pose significant threats.
The ozone layer, located in the Earth’s stratosphere, serves as a vital shield, absorbing the majority of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation. These rays, particularly UV-B and UV-C, are detrimental to living organisms, causing conditions ranging from skin cancer and cataracts to broader ecological impacts, such as affecting aquatic life cycles and reducing crop yields.
In his remarks, Shaikh underscored Pakistan’s proactive role in the Montreal Protocol, celebrating the country’s success in eliminating chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and advancing efforts to phase out hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). These initiatives not only contribute to the restoration of the ozone layer but also align with Pakistan’s broader climate goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting energy efficiency.
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination has implemented various programs over the past decade to phase out ozone-depleting substances and encourage eco-friendly practices. These efforts have received international recognition and demonstrate Pakistan’s ongoing commitment to environmental preservation.
Highlighting future directions, Shaikh called on the global community, industries, and citizens to sustain focus on innovative, climate-resilient practices that support ozone protection and broader environmental health. Coordinator to the Prime Minister for Climate Change, Romina Khurshid Alam, echoed this sentiment, advocating for continued international collaboration and local action to foster a sustainable and prosperous future.
As the world moves towards the middle of the century, ongoing adherence to the Montreal Protocol’s policies is expected to fully restore the ozone layer, symbolizing a significant victory for global environmental governance and sustainability.