China has managed to advance ozone layer protection with new planning and educational initiatives, including the formulation of a plan for implementing the Montreal Protocol over the next few years, in line with international efforts under the auspices of the United Nations, government sources said on the occasion of the United Nations-initiated International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer which falls on Monday.
Presently, the "China Implementation Plan for the Montreal Protocol (2024–2030)" is being finalized by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment in anticipation of its release in the near future.
This plan will outline China’s compliance schedule and roadmap up to 2030, with a focus on improving the lifecycle management of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) - powerful greenhouse gases contributing to global warming. The initiative aims to intensify efforts and advance progress in addressing environmental challenges.
The Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer was established by the United Nations to commemorate the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in 1987.
As the world’s largest developing country, China has eliminated 628,000 tons of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) specified in the Montreal Protocol, accounting for over half of the total reductions achieved by developing countries, according to ministry data from January.
Since its accession to the Montreal Protocol in 1991, China has made significant strides in eliminating controlled substances, advancing green technologies, and honoring international obligations. It has fully eradicated five major categories of ODS - chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, carbon tetrachloride, methyl chloroform, and methyl bromide.
From 1991 to 2020, China’s efforts have prevented about 26 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, contributing substantially to both ozone layer protection and climate change mitigation.
In observance of the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, environmental experts have been invited to Beijing schools recently to give lectures to students on ozone layer protection. The lectures, which include interactive Q and A sessions, provide valuable knowledge on ozone layer protection. Following the sessions, students would participate in creating artworks to promote green living and express their commitment to ozone layer protection.
China advances ozone layer protection with new planning, educational initiatives
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed a non-binding resolution on Wednesday demanding an end to Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory within the next 12 months by an overwhelming margin.
The resolution was adopted with 124 votes in favor, 14 against and 43 abstentions, during the UNGA's 10th emergency special session considering Israeli actions in occupied East Jerusalem and the rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
The resolution demanding that Israel comply with all its legal obligations under international law, including advisory opinions by the International Court of Justice, was introduced by the State of Palestine on Tuesday and was co-sponsored by more than two dozen nations.
By the newly adopted resolution, the UNGA "demands that Israel brings to an end without delay its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which constitutes a wrongful act of a continuing character entailing its international responsibility and do so no later than 12 months from the adoption of the present resolution."
The UNGA also demands that Israel comply without delay with all its legal obligations under international law, including as stipulated by the International Court of Justice.
In remarks before the vote, Mohamed Issa Abushahab, the permanent representative of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations, said the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza must be addressed through unimpeded access to those in need, a ceasefire deal and the full implementation of all related Security Council resolutions.
A credible peace process must be relaunched to work towards a two-State solution to diffuse this conflict, he said, expressing support for the State of Palestine's full statehood and UN membership. "The time has come to end the suffering," he noted.
Introducing the draft resolution on Tuesday, Riyad Mansour, the permanent observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations, called for the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
He said the Palestinian people have been steadfast in the pursuit of their inalienable rights, just like all other citizens worldwide who seek self-determination.
"The Palestinians want to live, not survive -- they want to be safe in their homes, they want their children to go to school without fear. They want to be free in reality as they are in spirit," said Mansour.
UNGA calls for end to Israeli occupation in Palestine within a year
UNGA calls for end to Israeli occupation in Palestine within a year
