… Moves To Phase Out Fridges, Freezers
The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), in its effort to renew commitment to environmental sustainability through heightened awareness and stakeholders’ collaboration, has joined the rest of the world to celebrate World Ozone Day with the theme “Montreal Protocol: Advancing Climate Action.”
The event which was held recently at Assbifi Events and Suites, Alausa, Ikeja, attracted environmental stakeholders, government officials, and climate change advocates, all committed to tackling climate change and protecting the ozone layer.
In his opening remarks, the General Manager of LASEPA, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi noted the profound significance of the ozone layer as a protective shield that guarded the Earth from harmful ultraviolet rays and other dangerous gases.
The General Manager noted that it was important that people should know the connection between ozone layer depletion, climate change, and the overall health of our planet.
“The theme for this year’s celebration, ‘Montreal Protocol: Advancing Climate Action’, emphasises the role the Montreal Protocol plays in not only protecting the ozone layer but also driving broader global climate action initiatives. It is a call for us all to adopt sustainable practices, reduce the use of ozone-depleting substances, and support policies that prioritise environmental protection.” Ajayi noted.
He stated the importance of phasing out ozone-depleting substances as a powerful tool in combating climate change, noting that the growing demand for cooling systems such as refrigerators and air conditioners exacerbates global warming.
As part of the State government initiatives to protect the Ozone layers from further depletion, Ajayi revealed the launch of the Lagos State Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Registry last week by the present administration, an initiative aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality in Lagos.
The Guest Speaker and Controller, Federal Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Olabimpe Adenaike, in her presentation on the Federal Government Policy on “Montreal Protocol: The Journey so far,” reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating the use of harmful Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) which she said contributed to the depletion of the ozone layer.
The Director, Climate Change & Environmental Planning, Michael Bankole, during his overview of the Lagos Climate Action, said there is an urgent need for collective action to combat climate change and protect the environment. His address highlighted the critical impact of human activities on the atmosphere and the escalating consequences of climate change globally and locally.
Bankole noted that human activities created more environmental problems than nature itself, adding that harmful products such as chlorocarbons and iso chlorocarbons, have been banned as their effects on the ozone layer were profound. “The freezers and refrigerators we use now serve as reminders that our actions leave lasting marks on the atmosphere”, he said.
The President, Nigerian Association of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Practitioners (NARAP), Mr.John Akhabue revealed the association’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability through various advocacy programmes.
The Director, Environmental Sustainability Unit, LASEPA, Mrs. Adebayo Adedayo reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to mitigating the impact of ozone-depleting substances and greenhouse gas emissions.
The highlight of the event was a Walk from Allen Junction down to the venue, as well as a school presentation from the students of Oregun Senior High School and Agidingbi Junior Grammar School.
World Ozone Day, celebrated globally on 16th September marks the anniversary of the signing of the Montreal Protocol which aimed at raising public awareness on activities that could cause Ozone layer depletion.
