Peshawar (TDI): In terms of carbon footprint, 2025 has seen a remarkable reduction in Pakistan’s use of harmful hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). The target was set at a 67.5% reduction, which has been met.
As United Nations Pakistan and the Ministry of Climate Change kicked off World Ozone Day 2025 campaign in Peshawar, this milestone was specifically mentioned and applauded. This campaign coincides with forty years of the adoption of the Vienna Convention (1985).
Pakistan’s reduction in HCFCs brings it within the compliance mechanism of the Montreal Protocol (1987), a specific protocol under the Vienna Convention that details the control and phase-out of ozone-depleting substances.
Pakistan has achieved the 67.5% reduction target in harmful Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) — a major milestone achieved by 🇵🇰 in 2025 under the #MontrealProtocol, #NationalOzoneUnit.#UNDPinPakistan and the @ClimateChangePK continued #WorldOzoneDay2025 celebrations in Peshawar… pic.twitter.com/GsY8BKfxIj
— UNDP Pakistan (@UNDP_Pakistan) June 3, 2025
Some other highlights from the event include:
- Technical discussions on ozone layer protection and climate co-benefits
- Gender-responsive approaches in HCFC phase-out sectors
- Youth-led exhibits and climate quizzes
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons are gases used worldwide in refrigeration, air-conditioning and foam applications, but they are being phased out under the Montreal Protocol since they actively cause the depletion of the ozone layer.
The Montreal Protocol phases down the consumption and production of the different Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) in a step-wise manner, with different timetables for developed and developing countries.
Read More:Â Pakistan, WFP Prioritize Climate Adaptability That Helps Prevent Malnutrition
Pakistan’s carbon emissions per capita are equivalent to 0.82 tons per person, as per the total population figure of 2022, while for the United States, this figure is a shocking 13.8 metric tons per American. Also, a Chinese person is responsible for 8.89 tons carbon emissions.
Comparing these figures, Pakistan’s carbon footprint is visibly minimal. The country ratified the Montreal Protocol in 1992 and established the National Ozone Unit (Ozone Cell) in 1996 to monitor and ensure the implementation of the protocol.Â
Pakistan banned the import of first-generation ODSs by January 1, 2010 and has a HCFC phase-out management plan in place to eliminate the use of HCFCs.
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