Khulna: An awareness workshop focused on the implementation of the Montreal Protocol for ozone layer protection was convened at the CSS Ava Center in Khulna City.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the event was organized under the “Renewal of Institutional Strengthening for the Phase-Out of ODS (Phase-10)” project, spearheaded by the Department of Environment (DoE).
Md. Firoz Sarkar, the Divisional Commissioner of Khulna, served as the chief guest and noted Bangladesh’s significant contributions towards meeting the Montreal Protocol’s targets for phasing out ozone-depleting substances. He stressed the necessity of awareness regarding actions required amid evolving circumstances and encouraged stakeholders to adopt environmentally friendly refrigerant gases.
Sarkar highlighted that ozone-depleting substances not only damage the ozone layer but also exacerbate climate change. The southern region of Bangladesh frequently faces natural disasters due to climate change, underscoring the urgency to eliminate harmful gases. He advised regular servicing of refrigerators and air conditioners and recommended avoiding air conditioner settings below 25°C. He also advocated for promoting energy-efficient and eco-friendly technologies, expressing hope that harmful gases will be fully phased out by 2040.
The workshop emphasized the critical role of the ozone layer in sustaining life on Earth and noted that daily human activities are contributing to its depletion. A weakened ozone layer allows harmful ultraviolet rays to more easily reach the Earth’s surface, posing severe risks to human health, wildlife, plant life, microorganisms, and biodiversity. Increased UV radiation heightens the dangers of skin cancer, cataracts, and weakened immune systems.
Furthermore, the indirect consequences of ozone depletion include climate change, floods, droughts, and desertification. Md. Sadikul Islam, Director of the Khulna Divisional Office of the Department of Environment, presided over the workshop, while Md Mahiuddin Manik, Director of the Institutional Strengthening Project, presented the keynote paper.