By Tlalane Dlamini
Last Friday, at The George Hotel, the Eswatini Environment Authority’s Natural Ozone Unit hosted a crucial meeting with importers of substances controlled by the Montreal Protocol. The importers were educated on the significant environmental impacts of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) and Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), including their role in ozone layer depletion, climate change, and negative effects on human health, marine life, plant growth, and outdoor materials.
The discussions also covered Eswatini’s commitments under the Montreal Protocol, ensuring that stakeholders understand their responsibilities and the importance of phasing out harmful substances.
Understanding ODS and HFCs
Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) and Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are man-made chemicals used as refrigerants in the cooling industry. They are grouped into classes according to their chemical composition and their damaging effects on the ozone layer and climate change. The Montreal Protocol lists over 100 different substances for control, used in various applications such as refrigeration, air-conditioning, cleaning solvents, and more.
The Importance of the Ozone Layer
The ozone layer, located in the stratosphere, is vital for life on Earth. It acts as a shield, absorbing most of the harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Without it, life on Earth would struggle to survive due to intense UV radiation. The ozone layer absorbs or filters over 90% of the UV-B radiation, making life possible on Earth.
Impacts of Ozone Layer Depletion
The depletion of the ozone layer has severe consequences:
• Human Health: Increased UV radiation damages DNA, suppresses the immune system, and leads to higher rates of skin cancer and eye cataracts.
• Environmental Damage: UV radiation can harm marine life, damage plant growth, and degrade outdoor materials like plastics and rubber.
Eswatini’s Role in Global Efforts
Eswatini is committed to the phase-out schedule outlined in the Montreal Protocol:
• CFCs: Total ban implemented in 2010.
• Methyl Bromide: Total ban implemented in 2015 (except for a few exempted uses).
• HFCs: Freeze scheduled for 2025.
The Path Forward
The meeting at The George Hotel highlighted Eswatini’s proactive approach to environmental protection. By educating importers and engaging with stakeholders, the nation is taking concrete steps to reduce the use of harmful substances and protect the ozone layer.
Eswatini is not only safeguarding its environment but also contributing to global efforts against climate change. The Montreal Protocol has been a key tool in reducing the use of ozone-depleting substances globally, and Eswatini’s efforts to phase out harmful chemicals like CFCs and methyl bromide are crucial. The freeze on HFCs set for 2025 will also help mitigate their impact on climate change, as they are potent greenhouse gases.
The discussions at the meeting at The George Hotel are a vital part of Eswatini’s strategy to engage stakeholders in these efforts. By ensuring that importers understand the consequences of ozone depletion and climate change, Eswatini is not only protecting its own environment but also making a meaningful contribution to global climate and ozone protection efforts.