Help protect ozone layer, address climate change, Filipinos urged

Senator Loren Legarda on Sunday appealed to every Filipino to continue doing their part in protecting the ozone layer in keeping with the Montreal Protocol.

Legarda made the call as the country celebrates the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.

This year’s theme, ‘Keep Cool and Carry On: The Montreal Protocol’, encourages everyone to carry on with efforts to protect the ozone layer and the climate under the international treaty.

The Montreal Protocol is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of numerous substances that are responsible for ozone depletion.

“Keeping our commitments under the Montreal Protocol, particularly through the phase out of controlled uses of ozone depleting substances and related reductions, has resulted in the healing of our ozone layer,” Legarda said.

The Protocol has promoted the banning of the use of substances that are responsible for ozone depletion such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).

“As we celebrate the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, let us be reminded that no challenge is too great if all nations, all of humanity, will unite to protect our only home,” she stressed.

Legarda said development need not come at the cost of the environment and the survival of the Earth.

“Our actions must be geared towards development that is sustainable, one that ensures a livable world for future generations,” the senator said.

Legarda said she hopes that the same unity manifested in implementing the Montreal Protocol can be shown in addressing climate change.

“Nothing is impossible if we all work together and I hope that all nations can unite once again to address the climate crisis,” she said.