Jamaica to Join in World Ozone Day Commemoration on September 16

Jamaica will join the rest of the world in commemorating the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, more commonly known as World Ozone Day, on Monday, September 16.

To mark the day, the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), through its National Ozone Unit, will host several activities aimed at empowering citizens to play their part in reducing emissions, thereby ensuring that Jamaica continues to lead in environmental protection and sustainable development.

These activities include internal sensitisation sessions for NEPA staff members, a school visit to engage students on the importance of ozone protection and climate action, as well as collaboration with Green Business-certified entity PriceSmart, to raise awareness about environmentally sound practices.

This year’s World Ozone Day theme, ‘Montreal Protocol: Advancing Climate Action’, reflects the global shift in recognising the Protocol’s role in not only protecting the ozone layer but also mitigating climate change.

The Montreal Protocol, one of the most successfully executed environmental agreements, has facilitated global efforts to protect the ozone layer by limiting the production and consumption of substances like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).

Jamaica, as a signatory to the Protocol since 1993, has been actively engaged in phasing out harmful ozone-depleting substances (ODS), says the Manager for NEPA’s National Ozone Unit, Vivian Blake.

He told JIS News that “through collaboration with international and national partners, Jamaica successfully phased out the use of CFCs by January 1, 2006, four years ahead of the Montreal Protocol’s schedule for developing countries”.

As a result, Jamaica’s leadership in ozone protection was recognised on the Protocol’s 20th anniversary in 2007, when the country was awarded the Montreal Protocol Exemplary Project Recognition for its Jamaica Refrigerant Management Plan and Terminal Phase-Out Plan.

Mr. Blake, who also serves as National Ozone Officer, further indicated that Jamaica’s success extends beyond ozone depletion.

“Through an industrial conversion project, we successfully eliminated the only ozone-depleting substance used by a manufacturing company in Jamaica, transforming its operations to use non-ozone-depleting substances,” he said.

As part of its ongoing efforts, NEPA remains committed to phasing out HCFCs by 2030, in line with the Montreal Protocol’s targets.

Mr. Blake noted that Jamaica’s actions to phase out ozone-depleting substances are not only vital for ozone protection but also to “contribute to the health and well-being of our citizens by reducing the risk of skin cancers and cataracts”, and other harmful effects of UV radiation.

The Ozone Officer urges Jamaicans to play their part in contributing to the reduction of global warming by seeking the assistance of certified refrigeration technicians to service air conditioners and refrigerators, to prevent leaks and emissions.

Persons are also encouraged to properly dispose of end-of-life equipment with the help of these certified professionals, ensuring environmentally sound practices are upheld.

Jamaica remains committed to the tenets of the Montreal Protocol, and to ensuring a safer and healthier environment for current and future generations.

“When we look at sustainable development, we must ensure that future generations experience the same quality of life, by preserving our environment today,” Mr. Blake stated.

For more information on World Ozone Day activities or Jamaica’s role in the Montreal Protocol, visit NEPA’s social media platforms or contact the agency at (876) 754-7540.