The UN 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 on Friday.
The News Agency of
Nigeria (NAN) reports 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.”
NAN 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 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.
Adewole told NAN 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
“In Nigeria we can
tap into this by joining the call for the protection of the ozone layer by
phasing out of controlled uses of ozone depleting substances and the related
reductions that have not only helped protect the ozone layer
“If the government
can join hand with experts among others to support the campaign, it will
protect human health and ecosystems by limiting the harmful ultraviolet
radiation from reaching the earth.
“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,” he said.
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