International Workshop on Ozone Layer Protection Ends in BeijingAn international workshop designed to help China formulate a strategy to train local officials on ozone layer protection ended in Beijing Saturday.Among those present at the two-day workshop were representatives from several United Nations (UN) organizations, including the World Bank, the UN Environment Program, and environmental officials from the United States, Australia and Japan. The American, Australian and Japanese officials made presentations on their experiences in phasing out ozone depleting substances (ODS) and related products as mandated by international conventions to protect the ozone layer. Zhu Guangyao, vice director of the State Environmental Protection Administration of China, said China needs international cooperation in its efforts to protect ozone layer. China is required by international conventions to cut its production and consumption of ODS to half the level of 1999, by January 1, 2005, said Zhu. China and other developing countries are expected to completely phase out the use and production of ODS by 2010. The ozone layer shields humans and other living things from harmful ultraviolet radiation from the Sun. Production and consumption of ODS in the past few decades has caused substantial damage to the ozone layer. |
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