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Drive to preserve Ozone Layer

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THE Minister of Environment, Water and Climate, Saviour Kasukuwere has said there is need to focus on the complete phase-out of hydrochlorofluocarbons (HCFCs).
He was speaking during commemorations of the World Ozone Day.
World Ozone Day is commemorated every September 16 to raise awareness on the ozone layer and substances harmful to it.
The ozone layer is a layer that protects life on earth from direct hit of the sun which would cause skin cancers, eye cataracts and suppression of the immune system as well as droughts.
According to scientists, when ozone depleting substances are released into the atmosphere they are broken down by intense Ultra Violet Radiation from the sun and initiate a series of chemical reactions that destroy ozone molecules.
Harmful substances such as hydro-chlorofluocarbons and chlorofluocarbons, halons, carbon tetrachloride, methyl bromide and other chemicals have fortunately been phased out in most countries in adherence to the Montreal Protocol.
These nations have managed to eliminate over 98 percent of the quantities of the ozone depleting substances that were in use before the protocol came to effect.
At least 197 countries are signatories to the treaty.
Locally Statutory Instrument 7 of 2011 (Environmental Management Prohibition and Control of Ozone Depleting Substances Dependent Equipment) has been put in place to ban the importation of ozone depleting substances.
The theme for this year’s celebration was, ‘Ozone Layer Protection: The Mission Goes On’.
Kasukuwere said having successfully phased out other ozone depleting substances, there was need to focus on hydrochlorofluocarbons and ensure their complete phase-out.
“Having successfully phased out in refridgeration and air conditioning, halons in fire fighting, carbon tetrachloride and methyl chloroform in cleaning and very recently methyl bromide in a number of agricultural activities, the focus is now on hydrochlorofluocarbons,” he said.
“HCFCs are being extensively used in refridgeration and air conditioning.
“These substances have relatively low ozone depleting potentials, but very high global warming potentials and as such not safe to the ozone layer as well as the global climate system.
“The phase-out of these substances will significantly contribute to the recovery of the ozone layer and prevent large emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.”
Minister Kasukuwere, said Government was committed to the task of total phase-out of HCFCs.
“The Government of Zimbabwe as party to the Montreal Protocol will continue to play an active role in the elimination of HCFCs in refridgeration and air conditioning,” he said.
“The ministry relies on the support and cooperation of all stakeholders to reduce the continued use of these substances that are responsible for the destruction of the ozone layer and global warming.”
Meanwhile, Minister Kasukuwere has launched this year’s Clean-Up Zimbabwe Campaign under the theme, ‘A Clean Zimbabwe-Everyone’s Responsibility’.
The launch comes amid continued poor waste management practices that have seen many cities failing to contend with litter mushrooming at illegal dumpsites. Local authorities were urged to enhance their refuse collection systems that are poor and have contributed to the mushrooming of illegal dumpsites.
Calls were made on authorities to attend to burst sewer pipes.
Communities were called on to transform their waste into commercial value and transform livelihoods.
Households were also urged to adopt the three ‘R-principle’ which encourages reduction of food waste, reusing materials such as metal, paper and plastics and recycling waste.
Minister Kasukuwere said a clean environment was a critical part of the development agenda.
“The launch of the 2014 Clean-Up Zimbabwe Campaign is to raise awareness on the need to keep our cities and country clean through promoting sustainable waste management practices by communities and corporate,” he said.

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