International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer 2024; September 16th.

FORUM: "Montreal Protocol: Advancing climate action." International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer 2024. The Montreal Protocol is rightly hailed as a multilateralism success story. It united the world to phase out ozone-depleting substances putting the ozone layer on the path to recovery and protecting all life on Earth. On this Day, we celebrate its climate action. Phasing out ozone-depleting substances has proven to be a powerful tool for climate action that has helped slow global warming, for example, postponing the first ice-free Arctic summer by up to 15 years. Through the Kigali Amendment, climate action is being further accelerated. Countries commit to phase down the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) – powerful climate-warming gases that replaced ozone-depleting substances in the various sectors. If the Amendment is fully ratified and implemented, up to 0.5°C of warming could be avoided by 2100. Cooling equipment represents 20 per cent of total electricity consumption today and is expected to more than double by 2050. Kigali Amendment implementation alongside a switch to energy efficient cooling equipment could potentially double these gains! Work has already begun to deliver on these climate action gains. Nearly 80 per cent of Parties have ratified the Kigali Amendment, including the US, China and India – all major producers or consumers of HFCs. Developed countries began phasing down HFCs in 2019 with many developing countries starting this year. Especially emphasizing the Kigali Amendment, which through the phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and improved efficiency in the cooling sector, will provide additional climate mitigation benefits. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #16September, #OzoneDay, #MontrealProtocol, #HFCs, #KigaliAmendment, #Ozonelayer, #climatechange.

EVENTS: On September 16th, the UNEP Ozone Action and its partners will mark the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer 2024. On this thirty-seventh anniversary, we will remember how the Montreal Protocol ended one of the biggest threats ever to face humanity: the depletion of the ozone layer. The conclusion is clear: for nearly 4 decades, the Montreal Protocol has been instrumental – and will continue to be instrumental – in protecting human health, nature and the climate. During this observance, we will celebrate the achievements of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in fixing the ozone layer and progress in reducing climate change. Participants will look to the future for deeper and faster action under the Montreal Protocol. Deeper and faster for the ozone layer but above all, for people, for climate and for the planet.

Statement from the United Nations Secretary-General on International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer 2024; September 16th.

At a time when multilateralism is under severe strain, the Montreal Protocol to help protect the ozone layer stands out as a powerful symbol of hope. It is a reminder that when countries show political resolve for the common good, change is possible.
In uniting the world to phase out the consumption and production of different ozone depleting substances, the Protocol has also contributed to shielding carbon sinks, protecting humanity’s health, and avoiding economic losses.
The ozone layer, once an ailing patient, is on the road to recovery.
Now, it’s time to go further.
The Protocol’s Kigali Amendment -- which focuses on phasing down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) – powerful climate-warming gases – can contribute to advancing climate mitigation efforts, protecting people and planet. And that is needed more than ever as temperature records continue to shatter.
If fully ratified and implemented, the Kigali Amendment could help avoid as much as 0.5 degrees Celsius of global heating by the end of this century. Yet, a range of climate solutions –including those related to refrigerants and energy efficiency – are also needed to avert a climate crisis by mid-century.
Four out of every five nations have ratified the Kigali Amendment, but the clock is ticking.
On this World Ozone Day, let’s commit to making peace with our planet. Let’s commit to build on the success of the Montreal Protocol to show what international cooperation at its best can achieve.

United Nations Secretary-General.

Statement by the United Nations Environment Programme Executive Director for World Ozone Day 2024.

UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen commemorating World Ozone Day congratulating the Montreal Protocol for returning the ozone layer on the path to full recovery and its significant climate action potential under its Kigali Amendment.