By Asmau Ahmad
The United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon, has called for a safer, healthier, more prosperous and resilient world for all people while protecting the planet.
The Secretary-general made this call in his speech at the occasion commemorating the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. Newsmen report that in 1994, the UN General Assembly proclaimed Sept. 16 as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.
The theme of this year’s celebration is ‘Ozone and climate: Restored by a world united.’
Our source also reports that the ozone layer, a fragile shield of gas, protects the earth from the harmful portion of the rays of the sun, thus helping preserve life on the planet.
“By working together, we can build a safer, healthier, more prosperous and resilient world for all people while protecting our planet, our only home.” Ban Ki-Moon said.
He said the total production and consumption of ozone depleting substances in EEA member countries has decreased significantly since the Montreal Protocol was signed in 1987 – nowadays it is practically zero.
“Globally, the implementation of the Montreal Protocol has led to a decrease in the atmospheric burden of ozone-depleting substances (ODSs) in the lower atmosphere and in the stratosphere,” he added.
Meanwhile, an environmental expert, Mr. Taiwo Adewole, has called on Nigerians to take issues of depletion of ozone layer seriously and take precaution and act fast.
Mr. Adewole told newsmen in Lagos that Nigeria should tap into joining the force to protect the ozone layer by ending the use of agent and substances that affects the ozone layer.
He said the theme for this year’s International Ozone Day recognizes the collective efforts of the parties to the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol towards the restoration of the ozone layer.
