On September 16, 2011 we join the international community to mark International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. This occasion provides all of us the unique opportunity to phase-out hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), a refrigerant used mostly in the refrigeration, air conditioning and foam sectors.

During the 1970s, scientists discovered evidence of a serious threat to the ozone layer, which provided the impetus for the development of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and, the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.  The Protocol is an international agreement under which countries worldwide are committed to phasing-out Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS), and to replacing these damaging chemicals with ozone-friendly substances and products.

On August 28, 1989 Trinidad and Tobago acceded to the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and, operates under paragraph 1 of Article V, which refers specifically to developing countries. Since that time Trinidad and Tobago has ratified all subsequent amendments to the Protocol.

Some of the ozone layer depleting chemicals targeted by the Montreal Protocol include: chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), halons, methyl chloroform, and methyl bromide as well as products using them or any blends of these chemicals.  Steps should be taken individually and collectively to source alternatives to these products for use in everyday life.

The ‘ozone hole’, which forms during the Antarctic winter in September, was created by the destruction of ozone molecules by these ozone depleting substances and can severely affect, not only humans, but also other ecosystems.  Research has shown that excessive exposure to ultra-violet radiation is harmful to all life forms, from microscopic plants found in the ocean to farm animals and human beings. Humans are affected through increasing incidences of eye-cataracts, non-melanoma skin cancers, damage to genetic DNA and suppression of the efficiency of the immune system.

A quicker phase-out of all ODSs and the replacement of these by alternatives and substitutes will help in the swift repair of the ozone layer which protects us from harmful UV rays while still allowing the sun’s warmth in.

On the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of the Montreal Protocol celebrated in 2009, Parties agreed to accelerate the phase-out of production and consumption of HCFCs. HCFCs are ozone-depleting gases and also greenhouse gases that are over 2,000 times more potent than carbon dioxide. In other words, the negative effects that HCFCs can have to global warming and climate change is far greater than that of carbon dioxide, the most well known of the green house gases.

The level of climate benefits that can be achieved from the phase-out of HCFCs, however, is highly dependent on the global-warming potential of substitutes and the energy efficiency of alternative technologies that are used to replace HCFCs. Already, more than 135 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse gas emissions has been averted as a result of the phasing out of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).  It is expected that the phase-out of HCFCs will also vastly contribute to the aversion of greenhouse gas emissions.

In this context, the HCFC phase-out presents all countries including Trinidad and Tobago with a unique opportunity to select cutting-edge technologies that eliminate these ozone-depleting substances while reducing national energy costs and maximizing climate benefits. In so doing, this country can increase its contributions to climate protection in addition to ozone layer protection.

The International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer affords us an opportunity to celebrate the significant benefits brought about by the Montreal Protocol. With the signing of the Montreal Protocol in 1987, governments did not originally envision the phase-out of any ozone-depleting substance. However, as a result of strong national and global compliance, Parties to the Montreal Protocol have been able to achieve tremendous success in the phase out of these substances, making this one of the most successful multilateral environmental agreements to date.

With the 98 per cent reduction in the production and import of ozone-depleting substances, the parties to the Protocol have put the ozone layer firmly on the path to recovery. In addition, they are helping ensure that present and future generations will reap the benefits of the parties’ forward-looking and bold actions.

The Montreal Protocol could not have delivered such profound achievements without robust governance and compliance structures put in place by its Parties, both collectively and individually, and by extension the cooperation of the national populace.

The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago remains committed to fulfilling our obligations under the Montreal Protocol and will continue to do our part to help save the ozone layer. Among the measures already taken by Trinidad and Tobago as part of the phase-out process are as follows:

The phasing-out of hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) will begin in 2013, while the phase-out of methyl bromide is carded to be completed by 2015, for non-quarantine and pre-shipment uses.

As we reflect on our achievements under the Montreal Protocol, we should note that there is still much to be done to restore the ozone layer, and all citizens should pledge to do their part to help.

We must therefore strive to be ozone friendly, which means taking individual action to reduce and eliminate impacts on the stratospheric ozone layer caused by the products that you buy, the appliances and equipment that you use in your households and businesses, or the manufacturing processes used by your company.

I challenge each of you to become a part of our effort to save the ozone layer.  We owe it to this and future generations to protect and preserve this precious natural shield.  Remember when it comes to saving the environment, every action counts!