New Delhi, September 13, 2024: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change commemorated the 30th World Ozone Day with a special event in New Delhi. This year’s theme, “Montreal Protocol: Advancing Climate Actions”, highlights the critical role of the Montreal Protocol in both ozone layer protection and broader climate change mitigation.
Key Highlights from the Event
- Montreal Protocol’s Vital Role in Climate Action: Union Secretary Ms. Leena Nandan underscored the link between rising temperatures, increased cooling system use, and the resulting temperature rise. She emphasized that the effective implementation of the Montreal Protocol is essential in combating climate change.
- India’s Leadership in Protocol Implementation: Ms. Nandan proudly stated that India has been a leader in implementing the Montreal Protocol. The country has achieved its reduction targets for controlled substances ahead of schedule, not only safeguarding the ozone layer but also contributing significantly to global climate action.
- Promoting Sustainable Lifestyles: Ms. Nandan also highlighted other initiatives like Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), which encourages environmentally conscious choices in daily life. She also stressed the importance of the Prime Minister’s national initiative, ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam,’ for a sustainable future and protecting Mother Earth.
Additional Highlights
- Winners Announced: The winners of the National Level Poster and Slogan Competitions, which received over 4,000 poster and 1,000 slogan entries, were announced.
- Publications Released: The 26th Edition of the Montreal Protocol: India’s Success Story, Action Plan for Implementation of Recommendation of India Cooling Action Plan w.r.t Transport Air Conditioning Sector, and the third edition of News TRAC also released. Launched several guidebooks on sustainable technologies as well.
India’s Commitment to the Montreal Protocol
India, a party to the Montreal Protocol since 1992, has consistently phased out ozone-depleting substances according to the Protocol’s schedule. The country successfully phased out Chlorofluorocarbons, Carbon tetrachloride. Halons, Methyl Bromide, and Methyl Chloroform are for controlled uses by January 1, 2010. Currently, Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are being phased out at an accelerated pace.
The event saw participation from various dignitaries, including:
- Ms Neena Pahuja, Executive Member of NCVET
- Ms Rajashree Ray, Economic Advisor in MoEFCC
- Mr. Valentin Foltescu from UNEP
- Ms Angela Lusigi from UNDP
- Mr. Aditya Narayan Singh, Scientist in the ministry
- Subject Experts
- Around 500 school children
Overall, the event successfully celebrated World Ozone Day 2024 and reaffirmed India’s dedication to protecting the ozone layer and advancing climate action.
