International Ozone Day in the Philippines

The Philippine Ozone Desk (POD) and the Environment Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will take the lead in the celebration of International Ozone Day on September 16, 2011 with the theme "HCFC Phase-Out: A Unique Opportunity." September 16 has been declared as the International Ozone Day in 1987 when the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was created. It was during the 19th Meeting of the Parties in 2007 when the member-countries agreed to accelerate the phase-out of production and consumption of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). The HCFCs are ozone depleting gases and also greenhouse gases that are over 2,000 times more potent than carbon dioxide.

The phase-out of HCFCs gave the member-countries an opportunity to select cutting-edge technologies that eliminate ozone-depleting substances while reducing national energy costs and maximizing climate benefits thereby increasing their contributions to climate protection. Likewise, by reducing the production and import of ozone-depleting substances by over 98%, the member-countries have put the ozone layer firmly on the path to recovery and helped to ensure that the present and future generations will reap the benefits of their forward-looking and bold actions.

The DENR which is the lead agency in the celebration, encourages the public and private schools to conduct activities that will promote the protection of the ozone layer.

For more information regarding the celebration of International Ozone Day, contact Ms. Bellrose Buraga of the POD at telephone number: (02) 928-4696 local 4. - https://www.affordablecebu.com/