Tackling Ozone Depletion
Ozone
Ozone is a molecule comprising three oxygen atoms (O3) compared to the oxygen gas
that we breathe which comprises two oxygen atoms (O2). Ozone is a poisonous substance
and if inhaled in even trace quantities can cause death. Ozone does exist near the earth’s
surface in what is known as the troposphere (0 to 6miles or 0 to 15km. above the earth’s
surface). At this level ozone is a troublesome pollutant consisting of photochemical smog
and acid rain that can cause damage to living tissues and plants.
However ozone in the Stratosphere, ie the layer of air 6 to 25 miles (15 to 50 km) above
the earth’s surface, forms a thin shield known as the Ozone layer. This natural shield acts
as a filter, screening out almost all the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun, which protects
human, plant and marine life from the UV radiation. Excessive exposure to UV radiation
can lead to skin cancer, cataracts, eye deformation in humans and animals, changes in the
chemical composition of several species of plants and damage to aquatic organisms and
fish.
Ozone Depletion
In 1972 Scientists found that there was a depletion of the ozone layer and this depletion
was growing at an alarming rate. The depletion was very severe and resulted in the
creation of a so-called hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica.
The cause of this ozone depletion was attributed to the presence of a range of chemicals,
particularly CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons) in the upper atmosphere which destroyed the
ozone molecule.
Action
In March 1997, Scientists from 32 countries met in Washington D.C. and developed a
plan called the “World Plan of Action on the Ozone Layer”.
This plan included the following:
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Research into the process that control ozone concentration in the stratosphere
The monitoring of ozone and solar radiation
The effect of ozone depletion on human health, ecosystems and climate
The development of ways of assessing the cost and benefits of control measures
The United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) was designated to coordinate
this Plan.
In March 1985, the “Framework Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer” was
adopted in Vienna.
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At this convention Nations agreed in principle to tackle the global environment problem
before ifs effects were felt or its existence scientifically proven.
The main thrust of the Vienna Convention was;
 the cooperation between nations for scientific research and observations to improve
the world understanding of atmospheric processes
 the monitoring of a large number of substance
 additional research on the issue
 future protocols and specified procedures for amendment and dispute settlement.
In September 1987, environmental ministers from 24 countries met in Montreal, Canada
and established the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer .
Under this Protocol, agreement was reached on specific measures to be taken to protect
the ozone from continuing depletion.
What is the Montreal Protocol?
Evidence of threat to the ozone layer was discovered by scientists in the 1970s and was
the impetus for the development of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the
Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.
This Protocol is an international agreement under which countries worldwide have
committed to the phase out of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS), and the replacement
of these damaging chemicals with ozone-friendly substances and products. Trinidad and
Tobago became signatory to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the
Ozone Layer on August 28, 1989 and operates under paragraph 1 of Article V,
which addresses developing countries specifically. Paragraph 1 of Article V allowed
less developed countries a ten (10) year grace period to begin their ozone depleting
substances (ODS) phase out efforts, subsequent to phase out initiatives of developed
countries which had begun since 1989. Our efforts therefore began in 1999.
What are some substances which cause ozone depletion include:
CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons)
Halons
Carbon Tetrachloride
Methyl Chloroform
HBFCs (Hyrdobromofluorocarbons)
Methyl Bromide
HCFCs (hydrochloroflourocarbons)
How is the does this country contribute to restoring the ozone layer?
The Government of Trinidad and Tobago acceded to the Vienna Convention for the
Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol for the Phase-out of Ozone
Depleting Substances (ODS) in 1989, and operates under Article V(1) of the Montreal
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Protocol (MP). Trinidad and Tobago was the first country of the Caribbean
Commonwealth to become a party to this multilateral environmental agreement.
Status of this country’s ratification of Ozone Treaties are shown below:
Treaty
Date
Montreal Protocol
28 Aug 1989 (Ac)
London Amendment
10 Jun 1999 (R)
Copenhagen Amendment
10 Jun 1999 (R)
Montreal Amendment
10 Jun 1999 (R)
Beijing Amendment
29 Oct 2003 (R)
Vienna Convention
28 Aug 1989 (Ac)
R – Ratification
Ac - Accession
The ODS Unit was established in August 1997 within the Environmental Management
Authority (EMA). The technical functions of the Unit was transferred to the Ministry of
Public Utilities and the Environment in early 2007, with financial and procurement
functions being retained by the EMA. The unit is comprised of a National Ozone Officer
who is an officer within the Environmental Policy and Planning Unit. This National
Ozone Unit is successfully managing activities of the country’s phase-out programme
within the context of the Country Programme (CP), approved in October 1996, as well
as the Terminal Phase out Management Plan (TPMP) which began implementation in
2004.
The Terminal Phaseout Management Plan
A Terminal Phase out Management Plan for the Complete Phase out of CFCs (TPMP)
presently being implemented by the EMA. The Terminal Phaseout Management Plan
(TPMP) is a performance based action programme to ensure the completion of the phase
out of all CFCs, and incorporates import quota reduction, recovery and recycling
equipment provisions, training and other capacity building initiatives. Under this plan we
will no longer be importing any CFCs effective December 31st 2007.
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Some are the activities Implemented by Trinidad and Tobago
The Government of the Republic Trinidad and Tobago, remains committed to fulfilling
our obligations under the Montreal Protocol and doing our part to help save the ozone
layer.
Some of the special measures already taken by Trinidad and Tobago as part of the phaseout process are as follows:
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Establishment of an ODS Sub-unit in the Environmental Management Authority to
manage the phase-out process
Implementation of a series of Public Awareness Programmes to inform the public
about the country’s commitment to the phase-out process as well as the need for
everyone to participate in the process
Implementation of a series of training programmes in Good Refrigeration Practices
for Trainers and Technicians in the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration industry
Implementation of a national programme for the recovery and recycling of
refrigerants in the domestic and industrial refrigeration and air conditioning sectors
Implementation of a freeze and a quota system on the importation of CFCs from July
1, 1999
Imposing restrictions on the importation of equipment requiring the use of ODS
Stipulating that all equipment or processes requiring the use of ODS be properly
identified
Training of Customs Officers on the control and monitoring of ODS imports and
exports
Encouraging, where possible, the retrofitting of existing CFC based equipment
Conversion of a local CFC Aerosol Filling Facility to a non-CFC facility
Phasing out the use of Halons as a fire-fighting substance
Participating in a Regional Halon Management and Banking Plan
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