Press Release From The JIS -_September 11, 2026
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| Vivian Blake. |
The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) will observe World Ozone Day on Wednesday, September 16, under the theme: ‘Global Action for a Cooler Planet’.
Manager of NEPA’s National Ozone Unit and National Ozone Officer for Jamaica, Vivian Blake, told JIS News that the annual observance recognises the value of the ozone layer and the progress achieved through international cooperation to protect it.
“The ozone layer is…three atoms of oxygen that filters out harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun, thereby protecting life on Earth. Therefore, in our recognition of World Ozone Day, what we’re doing is looking at the remarkable achievements made through international cooperation to protect the ozone layer. That’s the main objective of World Ozone Day,” Mr. Blake said.
This year’s observance also marks the 10th anniversary of the opening of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol for signature in 2016.
The amendment, signed in Kigali, Rwanda, is an international agreement aimed at gradually reducing the global consumption and production of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
“These substances for Jamaica and the majority of the world are refrigerants that are essential to keeping us and medications cool, cooling homes and offices and schools,” Mr. Blake noted.
“We're talking about ozone protection, but at the same time…the fight against ozone-depleting substances and adopted alternatives that do not deplete the ozone layer [and] the introduction of substances that will not have any harmful impacts upon the ozone layer. Although Jamaica has not yet signed it [we are] taking strident steps to have this important agreement signed,” he added.
NEPA will conduct internal sensitisation about the ozone layer and World Ozone Day, while centring public awareness around the importance of adopting environmental protection practices.
“For the wider public, the National Environment and Planning Agency will develop and share educational, social media content, practical sustainable cooling tips, information on ozone protection, and a World Ozone Day trivia activity where questions will be shared through social media posts, graphics, or interactive features…to reinforce learning,” Mr. Blake said.
There will be prizes for participants who correctly answer questions posted through NEPA’s social media accounts.
Mr. Blake further informed that Jamaicans can support the observance long term by choosing energy-efficient cooling equipment.
“When customers go to purchase electrical appliances, they’re to look for the most energy efficient brand, you can look on the appliance and see a label that will tell you how much energy is going to be produced or accumulated and what your savings is going to be,” Mr. Blake said.
He further noted the importance of having household cooling appliances routinely serviced by qualified technicians.
“A well-maintained air conditioner or refrigerator works better, uses less energy, and helps prevent harmful refrigerant leaks. Treat refrigerants responsibly [and] make sure that you always use trained technicians for repairs and servicing [so] refrigerants can be handled safely and responsibly,” he added.
He encouraged Jamaicans to share ozone-protection information with relatives, friends, co-workers and their wider communities, and to visit NEPA’s website at www.nepa.gov.jm for the National Ozone Unit webpage.
“Encourage your family, friends, co-workers, and community to make choices that protect the ozone layer and support a cleaner, healthier environment. Small actions do add up, and together we can keep Jamaica and our planet cool,” Mr. Blake said.
Editors Note
With what is happening to the climate and the extreme temperatures we are facing, we must pay attention to this release. We need to stop cutting down our trees and plant more trees.
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We need to connect the dots and realise that our actions can hurt us in the long run (or even the short to medium term). We must stop the open burning 🔥 of garbage and we need to fix our vehicles when they start to give off those noxious black fumes. Our lungs 🫁 need to breathe clearly.
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