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Ozone layer depletion potential threat to sustained
life: Afridi
Observer Report
Islamabad—Minister for Environment, Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi Friday
reiterated the government commitment to fulfil international
obligations to overcome Ozone depletion.
Depletion of Ozone layer is a cause of gave concern for the entire
world and a potential threat to the sustained life on earth,” the
minister said, addressing a seminar organized by the Ministry to
commemorate the achievements made through the historic Montreal
Protocol. The govt is fully cognizant to the threats posed due to
depletion of ozone layer and making all out efforts to control
environmental degradation.
Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Ishtiak Ahmad
Assistant Resident Representative UNDP, Arif Allauddin, Country
Representative, UNIDO, Ms. Shadia Yousif Bakhait and members from
relevant sectors attended the seminar.
The Minister said, rapid industrial growth without adequate
safeguards for the environment, had added to ozone depletion over
decades. He said environmental problems are no longer confined to
the counties, primarily responsible for causing them and all
stakeholders needed to join hands to counter these problems as the
government cannot do it alone.
“Their affects are far reaching as they transcend all borders and
boundaries without any discrimination between the developed and the
developing world,” Afridi said. The appreciated the parties to the
Montreal Protocol for collectively phasing out 95% of ozone
depleting substances worldover.
The remaining 5 per cent, he said, will be phased out by January
2010, the deadline under the provision of the protocol. Assistant
Resident Representative UNDP, Arif Allauddin appreciated the efforts
of the Ministry for efforts to mitigate the ozone depletion affects.
He assured continued UNDP support to the government in efforts to
face out ozone depleting substances and commended signing of
extension of Montreal Protocol Project for next phase.
Country Representative, UNIDO, Ms. Shadia Yousif Bakhait said
Pakistan has made remarkable achievements and progress for phasing
out the use and consumption of ozone depleting substances in the
country.
“UNEP has awarded Ozone Office of Pakistan for contribution towards
global efforts to protect ozone layer,” she said.
It is pertinent to mention that sun’s ultraviolet-B radiation result
in skin cancer and cause 66,000 deaths annually. Around 130,000 new
cases cancer have been diagnosed with children found more prone to
the conditions related to over- exposure to UV-B radiation.
Furthermore, recent scientific research also indicates that UV
radiation is much more damaging to eyes and vision.
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