Praise The Montreal Protocol is the most successful environmental treaty ever, the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) indicates his adoption ended one of the greatest threats once faced the whole of humanity: the depletion of the ozone layer.
“When the world discovered that ozone-depleting gases used in aerosols and coolers were creating a hole in the sky, they came together,” the agency said in a statement. They have shown that multilateralism and effective global cooperation have worked, and they are phasing out these gases. Now, the ozone layer is healing, allowing it to once again protect humanity from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation.”
Disaster is averted
This action has protected millions of people from skin cancer and cataracts over the years. It allows important ecosystems to survive and thrive. It protects life on Earth. And it slows climate change: if ozone-depleting chemicals weren’t banned, we’d be looking at global temperatures rising by 2.5°C by the end of the century.
This would be a disaster, UNEP said.
In his message on World Ozone DayUN Secretary General António Guterres said the Protocol was a success because, when science discovered the threat we all face, governments and their partners took action.
“The Montreal Protocol is a powerful example of multilateralism in action. With the many problems facing the world – from conflict to growing poverty, deeper inequality and a climate emergency – it’s a reminder that we can succeed. in working together for the common good,” speak UN chief.
The Protocol has much more to offer
Mr. Guterres said that the Montreal Protocol has contributed to solving the climate crisis and, in fact, by protecting plants from UV radiation, allowing them to live and store carbon, it has avoided further 1 degree Celsius of global warming.
“The work of the Protocol to phase out climate-warming gases and improve energy efficiency through the Kigali Amendment could further slow climate disruption. However, only by mirroring the cooperation and swift action of the Montreal Protocol elsewhere can we stop the carbon pollution that is dangerously heating our world. . We have a choice: collective action or collective suicide,” he warned.
UNEP says that the Montreal Protocol has much to offer. Under Kigali’s Amendment countries have committed to phasing out hydrofluorocarbons – a move that could avoid a global temperature rise of up to 0.4°C by the end of the century. The Protocol and its Amendments are helping the world adopt climate-friendly and energy-efficient cooling technology.
What does this mean for humanity? UNEP says that as the international community continues to protect the ozone layerThe Protocol will continue to protect us and all life on Earth.
“It also means a cooler planet as more countries ratify the Amendment. It means more people can access critical cooling technology without warming the earth. It also means that the Protocol continues to send a clear and lasting message: global cooperation to protect life on Earth is our best chance for a brighter future for all. everyone”, concluded UNEP.
