India Observes 28th World Ozone Day

New Delhi: India’s contribution to the Montreal Protocol in terms of policy formulation is noteworthy, India has played a proactive role in the phase-out of production and consumption of Ozone Depleting Substances.

This was stated by the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Labour and Employment Bhupendra Yadav at a programme organized to observe the 28th World Ozone Day in Mumbai today.

The Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Ashwini Kumar Choubey were also present on the occasion.

The event was organized by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Maharashtra.

Speaking on the occasion, the Union Environment Minister said that India has not been a traditional contributor to global emissions, but that in our actions, we are showing the intent to be a problem solver.

Stating that the world is facing climate crisis because of wasteful use of energy, the Minister called for adopting the mantra of L.I.F.E (Lifestyle for Environment) which was coined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in line with the concept of a sustainable lifestyle, encouraging us to adopt mindful and not mindless consumption and utilization of resources.

The Union Minister said that the Prime Minister has, again and again, focused on mindful consumption, for instance, how to economically use energy in warehouses and refrigeration, which are in line with our fight against climate change.

India is among the countries which has stated that the country’s sustainable development will be such that net zero is achieved by 2070, stated Shri Yadav. The Minister also said that India played a key role in the finalization of the Kigali Amendment.

After ratifying the same in September 2021, the central government is working towards developing a national strategy, in close consultation with the industry stakeholders, for phasing down Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

About World Ozone Day

World Ozone Day is celebrated on 16th September each year to commemorate the signing of the Montreal Protocol that came into force on this day in 1987. World Ozone Day is celebrated every year to spread awareness among people about the depletion of Ozone Layer and the measures taken and to be taken to preserve it.
The theme of World Ozone Day 2022 is “Montreal Protocol@35: global cooperation protecting life on earth”.

India’s achievements in Implementation of the Montreal Protocol

India, as Party to the Montreal Protocol since June 1992, has been successfully implementing the Montreal Protocol and projects and activities for phasing out of ozone depleting substances, in line with the phase out schedule of the Protocol.

India phased out Chlorofluorocarbons, Carbon tetrachloride, Halons, Methyl Bromide and Methyl Chloroform for controlled uses as on 1 January 2010, in line with the Montreal Protocol schedule. Currently, Hydrochlorofluorocarbons are being phased out as per the accelerated schedule of the Montreal Protocol.