Development & Aid, Environment, Tierramerica - Ecobrief

Ecobreves – GLOBAL: More Resources for Ozone Layer

DAKAR, Dec 26 2005 (IPS) - A new injection of resources for recovery of the ozone layer, which protects Earth from the Sun's harmful ultraviolet rays, was approved in Senegal's capital during a meeting of the signatory countries of the Montreal Protocol.

The Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol was refinanced for the 2006-2008 period with 470 million dollars, which will permit a series of programs for curbing the production and use of ozone-depleting substances. These have a direct impact on human health.

The thinning of the atmospheric ozone layer contributes to higher rates of eye problems, like cataracts, and skin cancer and other health and environmental problems the world over, Rajendra Shende, director of OzonAction, told Tierramérica. OzonAction is part of the United Nations Environment Program, which hosted the Dakar meeting, Dec. 12-16.

The Montreal Protocol, signed in 1987, regulates the production and use of ozone-depleting substances and is considered “the most successful international environmental treaty,” according to UNEP's Bakary Kante.