KIGALI, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda on Friday renewed commitment to continuing phasing out ozone-depleting substances under the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment.
Rwandan minister of environment, Vincent Biruta, made the pledge while addressing an event in the Rwandan capital Kigali marking World Ozone Day, which falls on Sunday.
"As we celebrate the 2018 International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, Rwanda is committed to do away with all ozone-depleting substances and uphold the Montreal Protocol's success in protecting the ozone layer," Biruta said.
He called on Rwandans to support the Kigali Amendment and start to reduce the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
"We can be proud of how we have protected the ozone layer and the climate, but we must also focus on what more we can do to reduce global warming under the Kigali Amendment by keeping cool our environment," the minister said.
Rwanda has been recognized for its leading role in implementing the Montreal Protocol, exceeding targets and beating deadlines set under the treaty. This includes achieving zero use of ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbon substances by 2010, one year before the set deadline, according to the ministry of environment.
The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol was adopted in Kigali on Oct. 15, 2016, during the 28th Meeting of Parties to the Montreal Protocol on substances depleting ozone layer (MOP28).
The Montreal Protocol is a global agreement that protects the ozone layer by phasing out the production of substances responsible for ozone depletion and climate change.
It was first signed on Sept. 16, 1987, and is considered one of the most effective multilateral environment treaties ever negotiated. It's the only treaty in the United Nations system to which every country is a signatory.
The International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, which falls on Sept. 16 every year, commemorates the Montreal Protocol's signing.
