Legarda Reminds: Let’s Continuously Act Towards Ozone Layer Healing

Senator Loren Legarda encouraged everyone to continue to do their part in helping heal the ozone layer as the world marks today the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.

This year’s theme, 30 Years of Healing the Ozone Together, is in line with the 30th anniversary of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer.

According to the United Nations, the phaseout of controlled uses of ozone depleting substances and related reductions have helped protect the ozone layer and contributed to addressing climate change.

“It is good news that nations’ adherence to the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer has helped heal our ozone layer. This goes to show that when nations unite and work together, we can fight a challenge as great as ozone layer depletion. This should inspire us as we work towards forging a universal, equitable and ambitious international climate agreement to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Paris on December,” said Legarda, UN Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for Asia-Pacific.

As part of efforts to ensure the continued healing of the ozone layer, the Senator has filed Senate Bill No. 522 to prohibit the importation of controlled substances that contravene the Montreal Protocol, as amended, to address the depletion of our ozone layer and prevent loss of life on the planet.

“This measure aims to establish the local mechanisms for regulating and monitoring the importation of chlorofluorocarbon (CFCs) and other ozone depleting substances (ODS) in accordance with provisions of the Montreal Protocol,” said Legarda.

The ozone layer is a portion of earth’s atmosphere that contains high levels of ozone. It is able to absorb ultraviolet radiation, preventing penetration to the earth’s surface. Ultraviolet radiation is harmful to life because this radiation can enter cells and destroy the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of many life forms on planet earth.

The ozone depletion process begins when CFCs and other ODS are emitted into the atmosphere. CFCs were first used to clean electronic circuit boards, and as time progressed, were used in aerosols and coolants, such as refrigerators and air conditioners.

“I ask that Filipinos be reminded of what they can do for the ozone which might be simple, but when done by the majority will contribute a lot to the ozone and the environment which leads to a better life,” said Legarda.