THE government is working with Standards Association of Zimbabwe to develop and publish minimum energy performance standard (MEPS) for domestic refrigerators and air conditioning appliances.
The MEPS are expected to have a strong policy on the country’s energy demands while promoting energy efficient appliances.
On September 16, 1987, countries across the world adopted the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer.
The Montreal Protocol aims to gradually reduce and eventually eliminate the production and use of man-made chemicals that deplete the ozone layer.
Speaking during the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer also known as the World Ozone Day, Environment, Climate and Wildlife minister Sithembiso Nyoni said a 2022 scientific assessment panel report confirmed that ozone layer recovery was on track.
She said the ozone layer was expected to return to 1980 levels by around 2066 over the Antarctic and 2046 over the Artic.
Nyoni said the stratospheric ozone layer acted as a shield which protected life on earth from dangerous ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
She said the depletion of the ozone layer reduced crop yields, degraded synthetic materials and affected aquatic organisms, thus the government joined hands with the world in commemorating the day.
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“Man-made chemicals used mostly in refrigeration and air-conditioning are depleting this protective ozone layer,” Nyoni said.
“Depletion of this vital protective shield causes eye cataracts, skin cancers and suppresses the immune system in human beings.
“Ozone layer depletion also reduces crop yields, degrades synthetic materials and affects aquatic organisms”
