Belize does its part for the ozone layer
It’s one of those things we normally take for granted. After all, do any of us stop to think about the condition of the ozone layer on a regular basis? Today, the Department of the Environment made sure the ozone layer had centre stage. D.O.E. hosted a workshop designed to make sure Belizeans know what they can do to stop the depletion of the invisible barrier between us and the harmful rays of the sun. News 5’s Jacqueline Woods was there.
Jacqueline Woods, Reporting
In the past nineteen years, scientists have been noticing a steady depletion of the world’s ozone layer. If the breakdown continues, the ozone will no longer be able to protect us, and other life forms, from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
Martin Alegria, Director, National Ozone Unit
” The sunlight has various types of wavelengths and the ultraviolet B, UVB, is the one that is most damaging to humans and living systems on a whole. For example, in humans, if we have too much UVB reaching earth, it could increase the cataract incidences in people, skin cancer, it would also disrupt the ecological balance.”
To protect the earth from such destruction, one hundred and seventy-five countries, including Belize, ratified an environmental convention: the Montreal Protocol. The protocol was established to control the consumption and production of Freon which are Ozone depleting substances. Even though Belize became a member in 1997, it was only recently that government has taken definite steps to comply with the agreement.
A 1998 study revealed that the number one harmful substances being used in the country are Freon R11 and 12, specifically in the air conditioning and refrigeration sector, including mobile air conditioning. Data collected also revealed that Belize has been importing more of the Freon than the Protocol’s agreed limit of sixteen point three tonnes.
Martin Alegria
” That in its sense kind of worried the executive committee of the Montreal Protocol in that we are not doing, according to them, we are not doing anything to try and keep within that limit. But our explanation was one, we joined the Montreal Protocol late in terms of others joining in the early ’90s, we did it until ’97. We can’t do much within two years to comply with that baseline. Two, we needed financial assistance to do what we are doing especially the public awareness component.””
The Protocol’s executive committee excused Belize and the government has until next year to put measures in place that will eventually result in the total phase out of Freons R11 and 12 by the year 2010. In complying with the Montreal Protocol, in June a draft policy was formulated to address the issue of ozone depletion and substances.
Martin Alegria
” What the policy calls for or makes a statement by government that this is something that we have committed to and we need to address. The way that we are going to address it, is that yes, we will comply with the Montreal Protocol, provided that the guidelines and the activities to be embarked on does not affect the economic development of Belize.”
Today, the National Ozone Unit me to discuss the policy and legislative developments with companies which import and use ozone-depleting substances. At the end of the day, the draft policy and legislation would have been finalised. Most companies have been getting as much information as possible and say they do not believe the policy will affect their business.
Leroy Babb – Owner, Babb Servicing
” It won’t affect the business to a certain extent, because of the fact that you’ll be ready for the retro-fit. That’s what the Ozone Depletion Unit is all about, that you’re well abreast with whatever changes they are making. And I guess they’ll make the other alternative available for use”.
Arturo Martinez – Enrique Martinez and Sons
” Well as representatives of Dupont Freon, which is one of the largest manufacturers of Freon, we have been slowly reducing our import of Freon 11 and 12, with the income formative of the Montreal Protocol. As the public is aware, by the year 2010 there will be no production of Freon. We believe that this gradual transition into the new Freon alternative or super gasses, will probably be accelerated by a joint effort between government and importers. And probably definitely a certain amount of public awareness must be instilled for the public to know that the Freon they are probably wasting today does damage to the ozone.”
It is expected that the policy and legislation to control the consumption and import quota of ozone depleting substances will be completed in the near future. Reporting for News 5, Jacqueline Woods.
At today’s workshop, an amendment to the 1996 pollution law was also discussed with the participants.
