Phnom Penh: Thursday 16 September is “World Ozone Day”, designed to raise awareness about global warming. Minister of Environment, Say Sam Al, has confirmed that Cambodia is committed to the international community in implementing all its obligations to ensure reduction and elimination of the use of ozone depleting substances. The Minister believes that although the Covid-19 epidemic continues, we cannot forget to protect the ozone layer and reduce global warming.

The Minister specified that the Kingdom stopped using chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) completely in 2010 and is now reducing Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). At the same time, the Royal Government is planning to control hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) following the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which Cambodia ratified on 8 April 2021.

In addition, Say Sam Al says these solutions are a win-win strategy for the Cambodian economy and for global climate change. He points out that the country has already taken many steps to use renewable energy but there is still much work to be done, such as creating regulations and raising awareness to motivate consumers. He suggests that refrigerants and air conditioners that do not harm the ozone layer should replace older, more pollutive versions in the market.