The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change organised an event to mark the 30th World Ozone Day in New Delhi today. The theme for World Ozone Day 2024 is “Montreal Protocol: Advancing Climate Actions” reflecting the Montreal Protocol's crucial role in both protecting the ozone layer and driving broader climate action initiatives globally. World Ozone Day reminds us that the ozone layer is essential for life on Earth and highlights the need for ongoing climate action to protect it for future generations. Ms Leena Nandan, Union Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change presided over the event.

Speaking at the event, Ms Leena Nandan highlighted that rising temperatures are leading to increased use of cooling systems like refrigerators and air conditioners, which in turn worsen the temperature rise, creating a vicious cycle. She emphasized that effectively implementing the Montreal Protocol is crucial and deeply intertwined with our broader efforts to combat climate change.

She emphasized that India has been leadership in the Montreal Protocol implementation, especially the reduction targets of controlled substances achieved ahead of schedule under the Protocol, which has not only shielded the ozone layer but has also been making substantial contributions to global efforts to combat climate change.

She also highlighted the other initiatives of the ministry including Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), a campaign to promote and encourage a sustainable and environmentally conscious way of living through mindful individual choices and decisions in daily life towards environment-conscious lifestyle. She also emphasized the significance of the national initiative of the Prime Minister ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ which is vital for a sustainable future and the protection of Mother Earth.

The winning entries of the National Level Poster and Slogan Competitions were announced. These competitions aimed at raising awareness about ozone layer protection and climate-friendly lifestyles to combat global warming, received an overwhelming response with 4,187 poster entries and 1,299 slogan entries submitted through a dedicated web portal.

The 26th Edition of the Montreal Protocol: India’s Success Story, Action Plan for Implementation of Recommendation of India Cooling Action Plan w.r.t Transport Air Conditioning Sector and the third edition of News TRAC, a quarterly news magazine for RAC technicians were released. A few guidebooks were also released including “Sustainable Technologies for Cold Chain Sector, Sustainable Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Equipment and Passive Cooling Strategies for Sustainable Buildings.

India, as a Party to the Montreal Protocol since June 1992, has been successfully implementing the Montreal Protocol and its ozone-depleting substances phase-out projects and activities in line with the phase-out schedule of the Protocol. India has phased out Chlorofluorocarbons, Carbon tetrachloride, Halons, Methyl Bromide and Methyl Chloroform for controlled uses as on 1 January 2010, in line with the Montreal Protocol phase-out schedule. Currently, Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are being phased out as per the accelerated schedule of the Montreal Protocol.

The event was participated by Ms Neena Pahuja, Executive Member of NCVET, Ms Rajashree Ray, Economic Advisor in MoEFCC, Mr. Valentin Foltescu from UNEP, Ms Angela Lusigi from UNDP, Mr. Aditya Narayan Singh, Scientist in the ministry, Subject Experts and around 500 school children.

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