Zim steps up efforts to reduce global warming

Remember Deketeke and Mutsawashe Mashandure

Zimbabwe has submitted its plan to move to low, global warming potential alternatives that prevent the depletion of the ozone layer, Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister, Dr Sithembiso Nyoni, said yesterday.

In her address to mark World Ozone Day, commemorated yesterday under the theme: “Montreal Protocol: advancing climate action”, Minister Nyoni said Zimbabwe was implementing the second stage of the management plan for phasing out hydrochlorofluorocarbons.

Minister Nyoni also said the nation had recently submitted the Stage 1 Kigali implementation plan for consideration at the 95th meeting of the executive committee of the multilateral fund.

The second stage would enable Zimbabwe to fully eliminate the use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons by January 2030.

This would result in more climate benefits as the substances have high warming potentials.

“Stage 1 Kigali Implementation Plan will enable the country to reduce its hydrochlorofluorocarbons consumption by 10 percent in 2029,” she said.

“Stage 2 management plan and Stage 1 Kigali Implementation Plan are being implemented in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme and the United Nations Development Programme.”

Government had developed and published minimum energy performance standards for domestic and air conditioning appliances to promote energy efficiency ones.

Project manager in the national ozone unit, Mr George Chaumba, said Zimbabwe was on course to completely phase out the remaining ozone depleting substances, which are the hydrochlorofluorocarbons before the stipulated deadline of January 1, 2030.

“In refrigeration and air conditioning, all chlorofourocarbons have been phased out. About 50 percent of hydrochlorofluorocarbons have been phased out. The refrigeration and air conditioning sector is adopting hydrocarbons that are ozone and climate friendly as well as hydrofluorocarbons that are ozone friendly though with high global warming potentials and so will also be phased out at a later stage,” he said.

Mr Chaumba said there was a need for concerted awareness campaigns in protecting Zimbabwe’s ozone layer.

“The ozone layer depletion is a ticking time bomb and ignorance is our greatest enemy.

“Many Zimbabweans are unaware of the dangers posed by ozone-depleting substances and the simple actions they can take to mitigate harm,” he said.

“A nationwide awareness campaign will empower citizens to make informed choices, embracing energy-efficient appliances, proper refrigerant handling and responsible waste disposal.

“This collective effort will safeguard our health, environment and economic future. We must act now to avoid catastrophic consequences.”

Zimbabwe is signatory to the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer signed and ratified by UN parties on September 16, 1987.

The stratospheric ozone layer acts as a shield that protects life on earth from dangerous ultra violet radiation from the sun.