The Chinese government's commitment to protect the ozone layer has made remarkable progress, said Vice Minister of the State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA) Wang Jirong. Wang was attending a celebration in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, in honor of International Ozone Day on Thursday.

By the end of last year, production and consumption of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), major ozone depleting substances (ODSs), had dropped 40 percent and 55 percent, respectively, from 1997 levels. Production and consumption of halons, used mainly as a fire-extinguishing agent, had dropped 85 percent.

"We are confident of our ability to reach the goal set for 2010 to reduce the production and consumption of major ODSs to zero and will thus realize the Chinese government's commitment to the international community, "Wang said.

The Multilateral Fund, an organization created to provide money for developing countries to reduce CFC use, has approved US$740 million to support China's phase-out efforts. These involve more than 400 projects.

Over the past several years, China's enterprises and research bodies have been able to develop and produce a series of ODS substitutes, Wang stated.

In addition, the country has set up a system of policies, laws and regulations on the phase-out of ODSs.

Marco Antonio Gonzalez, executive secretary of the United Nations Environment Program Ozone Secretariat, said China's achievements in ozone layer protection are noteworthy.

However, the country needs to strengthen its enforcement framework to control the production, consumption and trade of ODSs, he said, and sharpen its focus on research and development of ODS substitutes.

At the event in Xi'an, nine organizations, companies and individuals were granted Ozone Layer Protection Contribution Awards, which were initiated last year to reward those making remarkable contributions to the protection of the ozone layer.

CFCs and other ODSs were once widely used as refrigerants, insulating foams, and solvents. When CFCs reach the stratosphere, they react with the ultraviolet radiation from the sun, starting a cycle of ozone destruction.

A diminished ozone layer allows more radiation, such as ultraviolet rays, to reach the Earth's surface. Excessive exposure to UV rays can lead to skin cancer, cataracts and weakened immune systems. Increased UV can also lead to reduced crop yield and disruptions in the marine food chain.

In 1995, the UN decided to mark September 16 as International Ozone Day.

(China Daily, China.org.cn September 17, 2004)