Alarming levels of ozone depletion in Indonesia
[ added 2 July, 2010 ]
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Indonesia's State Environment Report blames HCFCs for the alarming thinning of the ozone layer above the country.
The Indonesia State Environment Report was launched by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and measured i.a. ozone concentrations between 2004 and 2009. The results show that in Indonesia’s upper atmosphere ozone concentration levels are between 230 and 270 Dobson units. Above eastern Indonesia, in the area around North Sulawesi, it dropped even to only 223 Dobson untis - experts classify ozone concentration of less than 220 Dobson units as hole in the ozone layer.
“The state of the ozone layer above Indonesia has dropped to alarming levels though it can still absorb UV rays,” head of the Environment Ministry's atmospheric protection unit, Tri Hidayati, said.
Thin ozone layer translates into high exposition of humans to harmful ultraviolet rays and resulting high risk of skin cancer, cataracts and damages to the immune system. According to Mrs. Tri, studies show already a significant increase in the number of Indonesians suffering from cataracts.
The report points at the chemicals HCFCs as major contributor to the depletion of the ozone layer. HCFCs are chemicals used as refrigerant in cooling applications such as refrigerators, chillers and air-conditioners but have been designated for phase-out under the Montreal Protocol precisely because of their destructive influence on the ozone layer.
The Indonesian government has banned the import of five ozone-depleting substance (ODS), including HCFCs since 2007 already, as part of the country’s commitment to protect the planet under the Montreal Protocol. However, an important black market dealing with ODS persist. The Environment Ministry estimates that at least 300 high-rise buildings in the country — ranging from hotels to private and state buildings — still regularly use HCFCs in their air-conditioning systems.
A bitter fact, considering the already critical thinning of the ozone layer above Indonesia and the certitude that CFCs now vented into the atmosphere will stay there for around 100 years deploying their harmful influence on the ozone layer.
An even bitterer fact, considering that perfect substitutes exist and that Indonesia is a leader in natural refrigerant hydrocarbon technology. The natural refrigerants hydrocarbons, ammonia and R744 (CO2) are energy performing, mature technologies that are efficient, environmentally harmless and readily available.
Considering these facts, there is no excuse left to use HCFCs in Indonesia.
