FORUM: “Global action for a cooler planet” International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone layer 2026. This year's theme celebrates the Montreal Protocol and the transformative impact of its Kigali Amendment ten years after adoption. The Montreal Protocol has demonstrated that science based policy, universal participation, strong compliance, dedicated financing, and effective partnerships can deliver real and measurable results. Through these elements, the treaty has not only protected the ozone layer but also enabled countries and industries to transition to safer, more sustainable alternatives while supporting economic development. Building on this legacy, the Kigali Amendment has expanded the Protocol’s impact by driving the global phase down of HFCs—potent greenhouse gases—and accelerating the transition toward more efficient and sustainable cooling solutions. Over the past decade, Kigali has shown how development priorities can be achieved by promoting energy efficient technologies, strengthening industrial capacity, and supporting innovation across the cooling sector. Together, the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment demonstrate that cooling the planet is not only possible, but achievable when countries act collectively, industries innovate responsibly, and international partnerships turn commitments into action—delivering benefits for the climate, economies, and people worldwide. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #16September, #OzoneDay, #MontrealProtocol, #HFCs, #KigaliAmendment, #Ozonelayer, #climatechange.
Ten years ago, the world added a new chapter to one of its greatest environmental success stories. Building on the Montreal Protocol, which put the ozone layer on the path to recovery, nations adopted the Kigali Amendment to tackle a new threat: hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) – potent greenhouse gases used for cooling. This year’s theme, “Global action for a cooler planet”, highlights a defining climate challenge. As temperatures rise and extreme heat becomes more common, access to efficient cooling saves lives. We must meet that need fairly and sustainably. Fully implemented, the Kigali Amendment alone could avoid up to 0.5 degrees Celsius of global warming by the end of the century – and twice as much when paired with energy-efficient cooling. This is essential for health, food security, livelihoods, and climate resilience. On this World Ozone Day, I urge all countries to ratify and implement the Kigali Amendment, accelerate the shift to sustainable cooling, and protect people and planet.
As climate change drives global temperature rise towards exceeding 1.5 degrees C target of the Paris Agreement, the world is seeking solutions that deliver real results. So on World Ozone Day, we celebrate one such solution, the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer. This agreement has put the ozone layer on a path to recovery, protecting millions of lives and vital ecosystems from harmful ultraviolet radiation. But the Montreal Protocol is doing much more than that. This year we mark the 10th anniversary of the protocol's Kgalli amendment. Under this amendment, countries are phasing down hydrofluorocarbons, powerful greenhouse gases widely used in cooling. If fully implemented, this could avoid up to half a degree Celsius of global warming by the end of the century. And if we combine this transition with energy efficient cooling, we could double these gains. So achieving these gains is crucial. Deadly and disruptive extreme heat is rising while billions of people lack access to safe and effective cooling. So we must close the cooling gap while keeping emissions down. This is why this year's theme, global action for a cooler planet, is so important. Sustainable cooling is not a luxury. It is essential for health, for development, and for climate stability. The amendment strives to extend access to sustainable cooling for every human being. But to unlock the full potential of the Kgalli amendment, we need universal ratification and full implementation. So on this World Ozone Day, I call on all countries that have not yet done so to ratify the Kaggali amendment without delay. And I call on all governments to accelerate its implementation. And I do call on industry to invest in climatefriendly energy efficient cooling solution because every fraction of a degree of global warming avoided matters and the Kegali amendment, if fully implemented, can deliver.
