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UN Secretary General sends message on the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

16 September 2010 15:47 (UTC +04:00)

Baku. Ilhama Isabalayeva â€“ APA. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon sent a message on the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer on September 16, UN Office in Baku told APA. â€œIn general, successful environmental agreements require a broad framework, clear targets and a gradual approach to implementation. Then, as governments gain confidence, they build on initial steps and set more ambitious goals. The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer â€“ which last year achieved universal ratification â€“ is an excellent example of this process. When the Montreal Protocol was signed in 1987, governments did not originally envision the phase-out of any ozone-depleting substance. Yet, as a result of strong national and global compliance, Parties to the Montreal Protocol have cut production and consumption of these harmful chemicals by more than 98 per centâ€, said the UN Secretary General in his message.

The Protocol has already averted greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to more than 135 billion tons of carbon dioxide, and will continue to play an important role, said the Secretary General and encouraged the parties to the Montreal Protocol to continue to use the governance tools contained in the existing ozone and climate treaties to reduce environmental threats to sustainable development and human well-being.