LocationsRemarks by Ms Beate Trankmann at the Commemoration Meeting of the 2023 World Ozone Day
September 14, 2023
UNDP Resident Representative in China, Beate Trankmann, delivers remarks at the Commemoration Meeting of the 2023 World Ozone Day in Beijing, China
尊敬的赵英民副部长,
各位来宾，女士们 , 先生们，早上好！
我非常荣幸代表联合国开发计划署在庆 (qing) 祝世界臭氧日活动上 向各位致辞。
35 years ago, in one of the most successful examples of multilateral cooperation in history, the world came together to sign the Montreal Protocol – a global agreement to phase out the production of harmful chemicals to protect the ozone layer.
As a result, through the collective efforts made by the international community over three decades, the ozone layer is now healing.
Indeed, the latest update from the Scientific Assessment Panel to the Montreal Protocol confirmed that the ozone layer over the Antarctic is expected to return to 1980 levels by around 2066.
An intact ozone layer is not just critical to ensuring that the Earth, and life across the planet, including humanity, is protected from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the Sun. It is also vital to slowing climate change.
An increase in ultraviolet radiation due to uncontrolled ozone depletion would dramatically inhibit plant growth, which would not only threaten ecosystems, but also reduce the ability of vegetation to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere.
According to experts, the phase-out of greenhouse gases as part of efforts to implement the Montreal Protocol have helped to avert an additional increase in global average surface temperature of as much as 2.5°C by the end of the century.
However, more must be done. The world is still on pace to exceed the Paris Agreement’s target of 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming by double.
Altering this trajectory is critical to achieving our broader mission of realizing the Sustainable Development Goals – to safeguard the future of people and planet by 2030.
Fortunately, the Montreal Protocol can be looked to for guidance on how to effectively organize international efforts to tackle global issues surrounding climate change, providing reason for optimism moving forward.
After successfully hitting the targets in 2010 and 2020 towards HCFC phaseout, the world is now moving towards the third stage of phasing out 67.5% of HCFCs by 2025.
"The world is still on pace to exceed the Paris Agreement’s target of 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming by double. Altering this trajectory is critical to achieving our broader mission of realizing the Sustainable Development Goals – to safeguard the future of people and planet by 2030."
In addition, the Kigali Amendment, since entering into force in 2019, has advanced the reduction of HFCs, which have replaced the earlier ozone-depleting substances in the cooling industry, but are powerful greenhouse gases with a large impact on climate change.
China has made important contributions to these efforts through policy formulation, strong enforcement of regulations and implementation of concrete measures, and public awareness raising.
In particular, as the world's leading country in the production, consumption, import and export of HFCs, China’s ratification of the Kigali Amendment was critical and has helped to energize global efforts to reduce emissions.
Over more than three decades, UNDP has supported China’s efforts to fulfill its Montreal Protocol commitments, working closely with partners on more than 190 initiatives, from single projects to supporting plans to phase out harmful chemicals in entire sectors.
Looking ahead, we stand ready to continue these efforts and advance efficient and sustainable solutions to achieve the Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment both in China and globally.
In closing, let me thank the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and FECO for organizing today’s event.
The Montreal Protocol is a testament to what can be achieved through collective international efforts and resolve.
Together, let us continue to expand upon the progress we have made to protect the planet, address climate change, and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
让我们共同携手，在保护地球家园、应对气候变化方面继续努力，为人类 后代 共创可持续的未来。
预祝大家在即将到来的“世界臭氧日”有所收获
Thank you!
谢谢
