DOMINICA JOINS THE WORLD IN OBSERVANCE OF WORLD OZONE DAY
Dominica joined the rest of the world in observing “International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer’ on September 16 2021. World Ozone Day is observed to spread awareness among people about the depletion of ozone layer and find possible solutions to preserve it. This year's theme is 'Montreal Protocol, Keeping Us, Our Food, and Our Vaccines Cool.”
The Montreal Protocol started life as a global agreement to protect the ozone layer, a job it has done well, making it one of the most successful environmental agreements to date.
Minister with responsibility for the Environment, Hon. Cozier Frederick says it is nearly thirty six years since the world has taken on a concern for the ozone layer.
“Dominica have also signed on to the Vienna Convention and the Montreal protocols so we have been part of this process for more than 28 years. So I want to encourage folks to consider the implications of substances that deplete the ozone and not only that but the prevention of use of materials that will in general terms that will affect global warming. So the world itself wants to stand in solidarity and as the Nature Island we are happy to be a part of this movement and ensure that generations down the line will enjoy this planet,” Mr. Frederick stated.
Minister Frederick says though Dominica is not a major emitter of greenhouse gases, the country is part of the wider global community and so should stand in solidarity.
“The small part we can play will add some success in that development. In the Nature Island we are part of this wonderful space, we sell it as the Nature Island and we have to protect it and the ancestors will be happy to know that we take such a wide approach to the continued social development of our people,” the Environment Minister added.
The Ozone Layer, also known as the Ozone Shield, is a delicate layer of gas in the earth’s stratosphere that absorbs most of the sun’s ultraviolet rays, which is harmful to human life and other life forms. These rays can cause numerous skin diseases. The layer absorbs about 97 to 99 percent of ultraviolet rays and maintains the ozone-oxygen cycle.
Government continues its efforts in maintaining the true foundation of the Montreal Protocol which is to increase the resilience of the planet to withstand the adverse effects associated with the depletion of the ozone layer and in turn protect the atmosphere for generations to come.
