New Delhi

On World Ozone Day, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Climate Change highlighted India’s significant achievements under the Montreal Protocol. Valentin Foltescu, Officer in Charge of UNEP India, praised India’s progress, noting that it has reached important milestones thanks to the combined efforts of stakeholders and UN agencies.

Since 1992, India has been a leader in protecting the ozone layer, making substantial contributions through various projects. The Montreal Protocol, Foltescu explained, represents global collaboration to phase out substances harmful to the ozone layer. He emphasized that the Protocol has successfully united nations in a common mission.

Angela Lusigi, UNDP’s Resident Representative, commended India for surpassing its goal of reducing hydrofluorocarbons by 50% by 2023, achieving a 63% reduction instead. She noted that since the Montreal Protocol’s adoption in 1987, 99% of ozone-depleting substances have been eliminated, and the ozone layer is on track to recovery.

Lusigi also mentioned ongoing efforts to help micro and medium enterprises transition away from ozone-depleting substances and stressed the importance of public-private partnerships and investment in eco-friendly technologies.