DODOMA: IN efforts to control substances that deplete the ozone layer, the government is implementing a plan to eliminate Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) in the country by 2030.
HCFCs are compounds containing hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine and carbon atoms.
Although ozone depleting substances, they are less potent at destroying stratospheric ozone than chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and, they have been introduced as temporary replacements for CFCs and are also greenhouse gases.
Assistant Director of Environment in the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment), Kemilembe Mutasa announced the plan in Dodoma during a training workshop for procurement officers on the implementation of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.
The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is the landmark multilateral environmental agreement that regulates the production and consumption of nearly 100 man-made chemicals referred to as ozone depleting substances (ODS).
When released into the atmosphere, those chemicals damage the stratospheric ozone layer, Earth’s protective shield that protects humans and the environment from harmful levels of ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Adopted on 16 September 1987, the Protocol is to date one of the rare treaties to achieve universal ratification.
According to Ms Kemilembe, who is from the Pollution Control Division of Environment, under the new plan, one of the activities being implemented is to provide training to procurement officers from different institutions on the implementation of the protocol including environmental management guidelines as well as controlling substances that deplete the ozone layer.
She noted that on the government’s side, directives had already been issued to procurement officers to consider controlling such substances as well as avoiding procuring equipment that are worsening the situation.
“I believe that with this training, we will have intensified your capacities on matters regarding the ozone layer and I equally wish to remind you that you are duty bound to ensure that you protect our peoples’ health,’’ added Ms Kemilembe.
HCFCs are gases used worldwide in refrigeration, air-conditioning and foam applications, but they are being phased out under the Montreal Protocol since they deplete the ozone layer. HCFCs are both ODS and powerful greenhouse gases: the most commonly used HCFC is nearly 2,000 times more potent than carbon dioxide in terms of its global warming potential (GWP).
Recognising the potential benefits to the Earth’s climate, in September 2007 the Parties decided to accelerate their schedule to phase out HCFCs.
Developed countries have been reducing their consumption of HCFCs and will completely phase them out by 2020.
Developing countries agreed to start their phase-out process in 2013 and are now following a stepwise reduction until the complete phase-out of HCFCs by 2030. In Article 5 countries, this HCFC phase-out is in full swing, with support from the Multilateral Fund for the implementation of multi-stage HCFC Phase out Management Plans (HPMPs), investment projects and capacity building activities.
Throughout this process, the Parties are encouraging all countries to promote the selection of alternatives to HCFCs that minimise environmental impacts, in particular impacts on climate, as well as meeting other health, safety and economic considerations.
