Depletion of ozone layer is a potential threat: Afridi
By Saad Saud

Islamabad—Federal Minister for Environment Mr. Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi said that depletion of the ozone layer is a cause of gave concern for the entire world as it is a potential threat to the sustained life on earth. He said that the Government of Pakistan is fully conscious of the threats posed due to depletion of ozone layer and is committed to fulfill its international obligations to overcome this challenge.
He expressed these views while addressing a seminar organized by the Ministry of Environment, here today to commemorate the achievements made through the historic Montreal Protocol. The seminar, among others, was also attended by Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mr. Ishtiak Ahmad, Assistant Resident Representative, UNDP Mr. Arif Allauddin, Country Representative, UNIDO, Ms. Shadia Yousif Bakhait and representatives from the relevant sectors.
The Minister said that the problems of ozone depletion have emanated as a result of years of rapid industrial growth without adequate safeguards for the environment. He said that the Ministry of Environment is making all out efforts to address the challenges of environmental degradation, however, the government alone cannot accomplish this task without active participation of the general public and stakeholders.
The minister said that environmental problems are no longer confined to the countries which may have been primarily responsible for causing them. Their affects are far reaching as they transcend all borders and boundaries without any discrimination between the developed and the developing world. The Minister said that it is heartening that the Parties to the Montreal Protocol have collectively phased out 95% of ozone depleting substances the World over and the remaining 5% will be phased out by 1st January, 2010 which is the deadline under the provision of the Protocol.
Speaking on the occasion, the Assistant Resident Rep. Mr. Arif Allaudin appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of Environment for its vision and efforts to mitigate the affects of ozone depletion. He assured that UNDP would continue to support the Government of Pakistan in its efforts to face out ozone depleting substances and congratulated on signing of the extension of Montreal Protocol Project for next phase.
Country Representative, UNIDO, Ms. Shadia Yousif Bakhait said that Pakistan has made remarkable achievements and progress for phasing out the use and consumption of ozone depleting substances in the country. UNEP has awarded Montreal Protocol Certificate of Recognition to the Government and National Ozone Office of Pakistan for its contribution towards the global efforts to protect the ozone layer.
It is pertinent to mention that one of the most serious health affects of the over exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet-B radiation due to fragile ozone layer is skin cancer. Currently, 66,000 deaths have been estimated annually from skin cancer. Every year, around 130,000 new cases cancer are diagnosed. Children are at particular risk from the conditions related to over-exposure to UV-B radiation. Furthermore, recent scientific research also indicates that UV radiation is much more damaging to the eye and vision than it was suspected earlier. Globally, in 2006, more than 161 million people were visually impaired, of whom, 124 million had low vision and 37 million were blind – with cataract as major cause.
In view of the serious threats to life on earth, 191 countries of the world have joined together by signing the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and are committed to phase out the use of various Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) to ensure sustained life on the earth planet. Pakistan signed the Protocol in 1992 and has significantly contributed in the international efforts to make the world ozone friendly. It is worth mentioning that the Montreal Protocol controls are expected to prevent about 2.5 million cases of skin cancer and 129 million cases of cataract by 2050.