World Ozone Day 2024: Promoting Climate Initiative
World Ozone Day, recognized as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, is observed annually on September 16.
TroibNews 
World Ozone Day, recognized globally as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, occurs annually on September 16. This day commemorates the signing of the Montreal Protocol, an international agreement aimed at safeguarding the ozone layer by eliminating several substances known to cause ozone depletion. In 2024, the event will mark its 30th anniversary with the theme "The Montreal Protocol: Advancing Climate Action."
The Montreal Protocol was initiated on September 16, 1987. It is a critical environmental treaty that regulates the elimination of chemicals that damage the ozone layer, including specific timelines for compliance that apply to all participating countries. A key focus of the protocol has been the phasedown of hydrochlorofluorocarbons, which are primarily used in refrigeration and air conditioning and have a significantly higher global warming potential than CO2.
In his statement for the 2024 World Ozone Day, UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the Montreal Protocol as "a powerful symbol of hope" in the efforts to protect the ozone layer. He emphasized that through concerted political action and international collaboration, impactful change is possible. He noted the protocol's crucial role in galvanizing global efforts to phase out ozone-depleting substances, which also helps preserve carbon reservoirs, safeguard human health, and avert economic losses.
Guterres highlighted the importance of the Kigali Amendment, which focuses on reducing emissions of HFCs, highly effective greenhouse gases. He mentioned that the full adoption and implementation of the Kigali Amendment could potentially stave off up to 0.5 degrees Celsius of planetary warming by the century's end.
Concluding his remarks, he urged a recommitment to planetary stewardship and sustained international cooperation on this World Ozone Day.
Debra A Smith for TROIB News
The Montreal Protocol was initiated on September 16, 1987. It is a critical environmental treaty that regulates the elimination of chemicals that damage the ozone layer, including specific timelines for compliance that apply to all participating countries. A key focus of the protocol has been the phasedown of hydrochlorofluorocarbons, which are primarily used in refrigeration and air conditioning and have a significantly higher global warming potential than CO2.
In his statement for the 2024 World Ozone Day, UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the Montreal Protocol as "a powerful symbol of hope" in the efforts to protect the ozone layer. He emphasized that through concerted political action and international collaboration, impactful change is possible. He noted the protocol's crucial role in galvanizing global efforts to phase out ozone-depleting substances, which also helps preserve carbon reservoirs, safeguard human health, and avert economic losses.
Guterres highlighted the importance of the Kigali Amendment, which focuses on reducing emissions of HFCs, highly effective greenhouse gases. He mentioned that the full adoption and implementation of the Kigali Amendment could potentially stave off up to 0.5 degrees Celsius of planetary warming by the century's end.
Concluding his remarks, he urged a recommitment to planetary stewardship and sustained international cooperation on this World Ozone Day.
Debra A Smith for TROIB News
