The climate change problems and ozone layer depletion are in the news for decades. The news always talked about how various countries fail in their endeavour to arrest the disaster. But more said than done, addressing these phenomena are just in words not much in action. But Qatar as in many cases is always in the forefront of preserving the nature and focuses on the importance of protecting human health and the environment. The
State of Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, celebrated the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, which falls on September 16 of each year, and aims at recalling the global efforts to preserve the ozone layer and its vital role on planet Earth.
This event commemorates the date of the signing of the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer in 1987. Its key objective is to protect the stratospheric ozone layer that shields life on the Earth.
The ozone layer is a protective screen about 8-50km from Earth’s surface. It filters out high-energy, destructive UV-rays from the Sun. Various studies revealed that the protection has been threatened by man-made chemicals, mainly chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and their emissions into the atmosphere. Now, everyone in one voice says depletion of the layer is considered a major risk to the life.
For example, according to a report about the problem in the European Union, most EU countries fail to meet the bloc’s air quality standards and more than 1,000 Europeans die prematurely each day, ten times more than in road accidents.
In Qatar, the National Program for Conservation and Energy Efficiency (Tarsheed) has helped reduce over 10.6 million tonnes of carbon emission in the country during the last six years.
The visiting delegation of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) to Qatar expressed its appreciation for the efforts of the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, the progress made by the ozone layer protection system and the commitment of the State of Qatar to implement the requirements of the Montreal Convention under the wise leadership.
The Montreal Protocol has approved several projects for Qatar since the accession of the State to the Club of the recipient countries of the Fund. These achievements include issuance of legislation and laws to implement the conventions.
The law aims at regulating the import, re-export, transfer and storage of devices, equipment and products that have been developed for control and complete disposal of ozone-depleting substances and the replacement of safe alternatives. All these measures clearly show the commitment of the country for the well-being of its people the environment.
