New move to protect ozone layer

It is heartening to note that the government has taken hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) Phase-out Management Plan (Stage-II) aiming to phase out the ozone depleting substances (ODSs) and help protect the planet’s ozone layer that safeguards the lives on the earth from harmful cosmic radiation. The Department of Environment (DoE) has already prepared the HCFC Phase-out Management Plan 2018 (Stage-II) with support from UNDP Bangladesh. As a signatory, Bangladesh is committed to phase out HCFCs and other ozone depleting substances.

Ozone is a gas that is naturally present in the atmosphere of the earth, which restricts the harmful ultraviolet rays coming from sun and thus safeguards the living organisms. Any rise in the amount of UV-B reaching the earth’s surface has potential harmful effects on human health, animals, plants, microorganisms, materials and air quality. Chlorofluorocarbons, halons, methyl bromide, carbon tetrachloride, HCFC, hydro bromofluorocarbons  are ozone depleting substances. According to the DoE officials, Bangladesh has successfully phased out major ODSs like CFCs, CTC, halons and methyl bromide from the commercial sector use in 2010.

Though Bangladesh is not as much responsible for environmental pollution as the developed countries are, it is bearing the brunt of it. Rise in global warming, green house effect, depletion of forests and rise in sea levels are the ominous signs that are likely to play havoc with the environment of the world.  Industrial boom contributes to environmental pollution. It is a grim reality that cannot be shied away from. The government should make attempts so that industrial pollution does not cross the limit. Climate change also took its toll on the environment of Bangladesh. Cyclonic storms like Sidr and Aila caused large-scale destructions in the past. The people living in coastal areas bore the brunt of those.

The developed countries may support the activities taken by the vulnerable countries to address the negative impact of climate change.   Bangladesh is a signatory to various global protocols and conventions. It is heartening that Bangladesh has made some meaningful efforts to minimize the adverse impact of climate change. But there is no room for expressing complacency. Much more should be done. Apart from government initiatives, all stakeholders, including environmentalists, conscious people   and NGOs should put in their utmost efforts to protect environment.     

 

New move to protect ozone layer

It is heartening to note that the government has taken hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) Phase-out Management Plan (Stage-II) aiming to phase out the ozone depleting substances (ODSs) and help protect the planets ozone layer that safeguards the lives on the earth from harmful cosmic radiation. The Department of Environment (DoE) has already prepared the HCFC Phase-out Management Plan 2018 (Stage-II) with support from UNDP Bangladesh. As a signatory, Bangladesh is committed to phase out HCFCs and other ozone depleting substances. Ozone is a gas that is naturally present in the atmosphere of the earth, which restricts the harmful ultraviolet rays coming from sun and thus safeguards the living organisms. Any rise in the amount of UV-B reaching the earths surface has potential harmful effects on human health, animals, plants, microorganisms, materials and air quality. Chlorofluorocarbons, halons, methyl bromide, carbon tetrachloride, HCFC, hydro bromofluorocarbons are ozone depleting substances. According to the DoE officials, Bangladesh has successfully phased out major ODSs like CFCs, CTC, halons and methyl bromide from the commercial sector use in 2010. Though Bangladesh is not as much responsible for environmental pollution as the developed countries are, it is bearing the brunt of it. Rise in global warming, green house effect, depletion of forests and rise in sea levels are the ominous signs that are likely to play havoc with the environment of the world. Industrial boom contributes to environmental pollution. It is a grim reality that cannot be shied away from. The government should make attempts so that industrial pollution does not cross the limit. Climate change also took its toll on the environment of Bangladesh. Cyclonic storms like Sidr and Aila caused large-scale destructions in the past. The people living in coastal areas bore the brunt of those. The developed countries may support the activities taken by the vulnerable countries to address the negative impact of climate change. Bangladesh is a signatory to various global protocols and conventions. It is heartening that Bangladesh has made some meaningful efforts to minimize the adverse impact of climate change. But there is no room for expressing complacency. Much more should be done. Apart from government initiatives, all stakeholders, including environmentalists, conscious people and NGOs should put in their utmost efforts to protect environment.