What’s the best way to reduce pollution and damage to the ozone layer?

To mark International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, as in other countries Lao authorities are organising activities to raise awareness, and the Vientiane Times asked members of the public for their thoughts on ways to preserve the ozone layer and protect our planet.
 

Ms Pao, an employee in Xekong province: The ozone layer is a fragile shield of gas that helps to protect the Earth from the harmful rays of the sun, thus helping preserve life on the planet. This means we must protect the ozone layer as much as possible. I think there are many ways to do this, but the best way is to stop burning garbage, especially plastic, and forests, because burning releases more carbon into the atmosphere. We should also stop using chemicals that destroy the ozone layer. The authorities should do more to encourage people and communities to come together to resolve this issue.
Ms Phonenapha, an employee in Xaysettha district, Vientiane: I think we should stop felling trees and do a lot more to conserve our forests, to create a greener world. We should also reduce the amount of garbage we burn to stop the production of harmful gases. Manufacturers should design products with minimal environmental impact and use recyclable materials for packaging. Authorities should do more advertising and run campaigns to raise awareness about the need to preserve the ozone layer. The public should have greater understanding on this issue and actively preserve the ozone layer.
 
Ms Air, a college student in Vientiane province: As we know, global warming is a big problem for our planet. It is difficult to slow the process without the cooperation of every single person and business. I think we should start with a lifestyle revolution by reducing our impact on nature and the environment. Then we should reduce emissions from factories and vehicles because they play a major role in climate change. We need to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide, chemicals and other pollutants in the atmosphere. In addition, we should plant more trees to preserve forests and the environment and make our world more green and sustainable.
 
Ms Vasana Sisaenphone, a student at the National University of Laos: I think the best way to preserve the ozone layer is by reducing the use of cars, chemicals and products that are harmful to the environment and other poisonous gases that are caused by human activities. I think everyone in the world should do more to protect the ozone layer by reducing the use of the chemicals and products that destroy it.  We should include this topic in the school curriculum, to educate children about the risks we face if we don’t make changes to the way we live. We should organise events that focus on ozone layer preservation, ozone depletion and climate change. Every country should run campaigns about this issue.
 
Mr Tay Chanthavong, a resident of Phongsaly province: I think vehicles are the main emitters of greenhouse gases. We need to reduce the number of vehicles that use fossil fuel because this will help reduce pollution. All countries and individuals should be aware of this issue and actively work to save the world and preserve the ozone layer, which is damaged day by day due to pollution and industrial activity. Industrialised countries should lead other nations in preventing pollution because they are among the main pollution producers and do more damage to the ozone layer.

 By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update September 15, 2023)