By Bill W. Cooper
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its partner have joined the rest of the world to celebrate the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer in Liberia.
With support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the significant event was held under the world theme: “Montreal Protocol: Fixing the Ozone layer and reducing climate change,” and local theme: “Making the environment a safe place through ozone and climate actions.”
Held Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at the Young Men Christian Association (YMCA) in Monrovia, the celebration also brought attention to the critical issue of ozone depletion and highlighted the collaborative efforts aimed at protecting our planet’s ozone layer.
The International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is observed globally on September 16 each year, as it serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving the ozone layer, which shields our planet from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
It also served as a powerful platform for advocacy, education, and collaboration, and underscored the significance of collective efforts in safeguarding the ozone layer and highlighted the role of the EPA and its partners in driving positive change.
In Liberia, the EPA has organized a series of events and activities to raise awareness about ozone layer protection, as this year’s celebrations took place in collaboration with various stakeholders, including educational institutions and CSOs, among others.
Serving as the Guest speaker for this year’s commemoration, EPA Deputy Executive Director, Urias S. Goll, encouraged participants to join forces with the EPA in combating ozone layer depletion and climate change, which have become global phenomena.
Goll stressed that the issues of environment should not only be seen as business of the EPA, but as something that needs the concerted effort of every Liberian.
He maintained, “Let me also remind you that we don’t take action towards environmental protection for the sake of the environment. We do it for the sole purpose of protecting ourselves, and in simple terms, protect the environment to protect you.”
According to him, as an environmental practitioner, he was proud to boast of his work done in addressing the menace, noting that Liberia has now managed to significantly mitigate, if not phase out, ODS.
This, Goll asserted, “My only hope is that we will do more with other global environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, impacts to migratory species, land degradation, and the accelerated encroachment of deserts, among others.”
“So, we must learn from our Ozone protection interventions and increase resilience to climate change and halt biodiversity loss and desertification. Until we do so, no one will be safe,” he added.
Earlier explaining about the issues of Ozone Layer Depletion, the EPA National Ozone Officer, Sete F. Marshall, drilled participants about the adverse effects of ozone depletion and the significance of taking action.
In his presentation, the EPA Ozone Officer further emphasized the role of individual actions in preserving the ozone layer, and elaborated on simple steps that individuals can take to minimize their impact on the ozone, such as reducing the use of ozone-depleting substances (ODS), recycling, and supporting eco-friendly practices.
Marshall further emphasized the interconnectedness of ozone layer protection and other environmental initiatives, highlighting how protecting the ozone layer can contribute to mitigating climate change, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring sustainable development.
Liberia has been actively engaged in the efforts to protect the ozone layer, as the country has also implemented policies and regulations aimed at phasing out ODS and promoting sustainable alternatives.
These measures have been reinforced through capacity-building programs that focus on training technicians, customs officers, and relevant stakeholders in alternative technologies that do not harm the ozone layer.
