MEDIA ADVISORY: The Secretary-General -- Message on the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

MEDIA ADVISORY: The Secretary-General -- Message on the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

September 14, 2006

-- EMBARGO UNTIL 16 SEPTEMBER 2006 --

    The Secretary-General of the UN addresses a speech on
International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer,
16 September. Details of the speech follow:

    "The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete
the Ozone Layer is effective and working.  Since the entry
into force of this multilateral environmental agreement,
there has been tremendous progress in global efforts to
repair the ozone layer.  As a consequence, there are now
early signs that we are on the road to recovery of this
precious life-support system."  

    "In the latest of a series of scientific
assessments conducted under the auspices of the World
Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the UN Environment
Programme (UNEP), more than 300 scientists from 34
countries of the developed and developing world have found
clear evidence of a decrease in the abundance of
ozone-depleting substances in the lower atmosphere, as well
as indications that their destructive impact in the
stratosphere has also started to decline." 

    "Improved chemistry-climate modelling used in the
assessments has given us a more accurate estimate of the
expected dates for total ozone layer recovery.  In the
mid-latitudes and the Arctic, recovery is now anticipated
around 2049, five years later than was previously
estimated.  In Antarctica, recovery is expected by about
2065, fifteen years later than the previous
estimate."

    "The assessment's findings are solid evidence that
the international community's has delivered on its promises.
 As noted by the eminent scientists in the assessment
report, however, failure to comply with the Protocol would
delay or could even prevent recovery of the ozone layer.  I
therefore urge all countries to reaffirm their commitment to
implementation.  The work is still unfinished, and it is
only through persistent dedication over the course of this
century that our generation and future generations will
realize the benefits of full ozone layer recovery."

    "The theme of this year's observance,
"Protect the Ozone Layer: Save Life on Earth",
invites the international community to build on its
achievements to date by accelerating the phase-out of ozone
depleting substances.  I appeal to Governments, in
partnership with industry, non-governmental organizations
and citizens all over the world, to celebrate this year's
International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer
by promoting activities that will continue to sustain
public and political awareness until the task is fully
accomplished."  

    For more information, please contact: 

     Ms. Zhang Wei, 
     Media Officer, 
     UNDP China
     Tel:   [phone]
     Email: [e-mail]

SOURCE  United Nations Development Programme