The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) organised an environmental seminar yesterday to mark the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer in collaboration with the University of Doha for Science and Technology, adopting the theme "Protecting the Ozone Layer and Combating Climate Change."
The seminar addressed the risks threatening the ozone layer and their impact on the environment and climate change, such as global warming, which leads to numerous natural crises and disasters like hurricanes and floods.
It also discussed Qatar's efforts to preserve the ozone layer and its commitment to implementing the Montreal Protocol and the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer.
The seminar was attended by Abdulhadi Nasser al-Marri, Assistant Undersecretary for Environmental Affairs; Dr Salem bin Nasser Al-Nuaimi, President of the University of Doha for Science and Technology; Khalid al-Kalali, UNEP Policy and Enforcement officer at Regional Office for West Asia; and representatives from some government departments and companies related to the sector.
Addressing the seminar, al-Marri stressed that the occasion represents a crucial opportunity to unify collective efforts in dealing with the issue of ozone layer protection, which is one of the most complex environmental challenges.
He stressed the need for international co-operation in facing this challenge.
He pointed out that this day was established to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the ozone layer, educating people on substances that deplete it, and highlighting the urgent need to reduce the use of such substances.
He also stressed the ministry's commitment to preserving and protecting the ozone layer. He presented Qatar's efforts in ozone layer preservation through its commitment to the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol concerning substances that deplete the ozone layer.
He spoke about MECC plan for the gradual phaseout of these substances and its efforts to stay up-to-date with developments related to the control and regulation of these substances and their alternatives.
He called on governments, organisations, and individuals to collaborate in protecting the ozone layer, promoting the use of alternative materials, and adopting more sustainable practices. He stressed the importance of supporting scientific research to develop new and innovative environmental technologies.
In the meantime, MECC launched a competition for school and university students to encourage to take part in the related awareness programmes.
