The Ministry of Environment has urged the correct usage of ozone-depleting chemicals as Cambodia prepares a management plan for protecting the ozone. The initiative is part of global efforts to safeguard the ozone layer, a protective shield that protects the Earth against harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

The call came during the celebration of World Ozone Day on September 16, the 39th anniversary of the 1985 "Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer" and the 37th anniversary of the 1987 "Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer”.

This year, World Ozone Day was celebrated under the theme "Montreal Protocol: Advancing Climate Action" to raise awareness about the importance of the ozone layer for life on Earth and to encourage continued global efforts to protect it and reduce global warming.

In a congratulatory message, environment minister Eang Sophalleth highlighted that the ozone layer had faced significant threats from various ozone-depleting substances, causing dangerous levels of depletion.

Ozone-depleting substances, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), are commonly used in spray cans and refrigeration equipment. These substances also contribute to global warming.

However, through collective global efforts to implement the Montreal Protocol, the use of these substances has been significantly reduced, with the goal of eventually eliminating them to prevent further damage to the ozone layer—a major threat to humanity.

The minister noted that between 1990 and 2010, global efforts under the Montreal Protocol reduced carbon emissions by an estimated 135 billion tonnes. Since 2000, the ozone layer has been recovering at a rate of 1–3 per cent per year, also helping to mitigate global warming.

Currently, refrigeration equipment accounts for 20 per cent of total global electricity consumption, with demand expected to double by 2050. The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, along with a shift to more energy-efficient cooling technologies, is expected to provide significant benefits in reducing global warming.

“As a party to the agreement, the Kingdom of Cambodia completely phased out CFCs in 2010 and continues to implement a management plan for HCFCs, in line with the Montreal Protocol,” he said.

Additionally, the Cambodian government has recently approved the implementation of the Environment and Natural Resources Code and is drafting a management plan for HFCs, following the Kigali Amendment. 

Cambodia ratified this amendment in April 2021, with the aim of reducing global warming by up to 0.5°C by the end of this century, provided it is globally adopted and fully implemented.

"The Kingdom of Cambodia remains committed to continuing its active participation with the international community to ensure the successful fulfilment of its obligations, aimed at reducing and eventually eliminating the use of ozone-depleting substances and high global warming potential gases," added Sophalleth .

Despite progress in using renewable energy and promoting energy conservation, more work remains to be done to raise public awareness and encourage the use of alternatives that are ozone-friendly and have low or zero global warming potential.

In addition, other regulations need to be developed to enhance this transition, including the introduction of energy-efficient cooling technology and building codes, and promoting the widespread use of renewable energy.

The minister expressed strong confidence that, with the active participation of all nations, the ozone layer could return to its pre-1980 condition by the middle of the 21st century, contributing to a 0.5°C reduction in global warming.

He called on all ministries, institutions and relevant stakeholders, especially businesses involved in the use of ozone-depleting substances and refrigerants, to remain vigilant in implementing the Montreal Protocol's standards in Cambodia.