… Seeks Cooperation in Phasing out Ozone-Depleting Substances
The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has joined environmentalists across the globe to commemorate World Ozone Day, just as it renewed its call to the public to desist from activities that can further deplete the ozone layer.
The General Manager, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, made the appeal at an event organised by the Agency, noting that the theme of the Day’s celebration: “Montreal at 35-Global Cooperation Protecting Life on Earth”, recognises the broader impact the Montreal Protocol has on climate change and the need to collaborate, forge partnerships and develop global cooperation to achieve the global goal of preventing further depletion of the ozone layer.
Fasawe, represented at the event held in Ebutte Metta by the Director, Monitoring Compliance & Enforcement (LASEPA), Mr. Kayode Bello, averred that the yearly commemoration of the Ozone Layer Day in Lagos State underscores the fact that government cannot afford to ignore many problems confronting the global environment and threat posed by the ozone layer, particularly to vulnerable cities like Lagos.
In her words: “As we know, Lagos is generally characterised by low-lying areas below five metres. If adequate and effective measures are not taken, considerable physical, ecological and socio-economic losses would be incurred with the expected rise in sea level causing flood in some areas of the State”.
“In realisation of this fact, the State Government, through LASEPA and other progressive partners at the State and Federal levels, private and corporate organisations, have made efforts to joining this global phasing out of ozone-depleting substances through concerted efforts”, Fasawe informed.
The LASEPA boss said we are all part of the global achievements and, therefore, should continue to protect the ozone to make planet earth habitable for man, nature and sustainable for future generations.
“The greenhouse effect, the consequences of the destruction of forests, pollution of all forms, climate change and ozone layer depletion are all problems that should preoccupy the government and the people which must be jointly fought and won”, Fasawe added.
She listed some of the measures already put in place by the state government to include aggressive advocacy of both the informal and formal sectors on the need to preserve nature and comply with environmental guidelines while ensuring that technicians operate in an eco-friendly manner.
“LASEPA is determined to enforce the phasing out of ozone-depleting refrigerants in the State through effective monitoring of the activities of the Technicians of Associations, such as the National Association of Refrigeration and Air Condition Practitioners (NARAP) and Cooling Part Dealers Association (COPDAS) amongst others”, the General Manage averred.
Also speaking at the event, Director, Lagos Liason Office, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Mr. Stephen Otitilogbon, represented by Mrs. Ezinwanyi Udechukwu, emphasised that NESREA has played and still plays a vital role in prohibiting ozone-depleting substances, pressurised containers, sale of ozone-depleting substances, flexible insulation foams, packaging and wrapping materials in line with its responsibility to protect and fight against human activities that affect the earth.
Stakeholders, including the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Cooling Part Dealers Association (COPDAS), National Association of Refrigeration and Air Condition Practitioners (NARAP) among others, pledged their readiness to work with the State Government in educating the manufacturers and relevant associations on the continuous need to protect the ozone layer from depleting substances.
Highlights of the event were the symbolic presentation of eco-friendly materials (reusable bags, rechargeable lights and reusable bottles) to participants.
