Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, observed on 16 September:
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 — 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°C 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.