Liberia, a part of the Montreal Protocol success

Sustainable Environmental protection and management has become an attractive Global Phenomenon that Liberia is no exception. As a signatory to most of the Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEA’s), to include the Vienna Convention and its off-spring(the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer), environmental compliance remains the target point for Liberia amidst the uncountable global challenges. Up to date, the single most successful Multilateral Environmental Agreement globally is the Montreal Protocol, a success that Liberia immensely contributed to through the National Ozone Unit of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia. Bravo EPA.

It is indisputably a fact that Ozone Layer Depletion is anthropogenic. This goes to mean, thatcertain man-made chemicals, utilized mainly in the refrigeration and air-conditioning industry as well as the agricultural sector, negatively impact the OzoneLayer. The Ozone Layer is found between the Stratosphere and the Troposphere and is responsible for protecting the Earth’s surface from receiving the full force of the sun rays (Ultra-violet Radiation).

In the early 80’s it was scientifically determined that certain refrigeration and agricultural chemicals which contained chlorine atoms, were involved in the reduction of the Ozone Layer when emitted into the atmosphere. The constant emission of those chemicals as a result of man’s activities, wounded the Ozone Layer. Thank God for global efforts that have ensured a gradual recovery of the Layer.

The negativism of ozone depletion include but not limited to various eye cataracts,skin cancers, reduction in agricultural yields, damage to marine eco-systems, reduction in the quality of construction materials, Global Warming, among others. Be a friend to the environment to remain healthy.

On 16th September 2016, Liberia will join the rest of the world in celebrating another “International Day for the Protection of the Ozone Layer” under the Global theme “OZONE AND CLIMATE – RESTORED BY A WORLD UNITED“. As we do so, we want to applaud all of our partners who over years, have contributed to our success through their unconditional cooperation in our effort to create an enabling environment suitable for all. We are consciously calling on all Liberians and those residing within the borders of Liberia, to soberly reflect on the sustainability of our environment and the protection of the Ozone Layer.Remember, if we fail to preserve our environment, our environment will fail to protect and preserve us.

We want to especially encourage all importers of refrigeration and air-conditioning chemicals and equipment, to consider importing OZONE AND CLIMATE FRIENDLY CHEMICALS AND RELATED ENERGY EFFICIENT EQUIPMENTinto the commerce of Liberia.Happy Ozone Day Celebration.

By: The Ozone Unit of the EPA.