THE Philippines has made significant strides to ensure the protection of the ozone layer in compliance with the Montreal Protocol, particularly in the phase-out of ozone depleting substances (ODS), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said on Tuesday. Finalized in 1987, the Montreal Protocol legally enforces the phase-out of the production and use of ODS or chemicals often used in refrigeration, air-conditioning, foam manufacturing, aerosol production, and fire extinguishing. The Philippines signed the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer on Sept. 14, 1988 and ratified it on March 21, 1991. In 1994, the Philippine Ozone Desk (POD) was created to facilitate and coordinate ODS phase-out projects and policies for the overall implementation of the country’s obligations under the Montreal Protocol. As a result of the concerted efforts among nations, the ozone layer is healing itself and is expected to recover by the middle of the century.

Source: Manila Times September 20, 2016 16:52 UTC