Media Advisory
16 September 2022
Where: Global
Date: 16 September 2022
More information: https://ozone.unep.org/montreal-protocol-global-cooperation-protecting-life-on-earth
2022 Theme: Global cooperation protecting life on earth
Hashtags for the Day include: #OzoneDay #MontrealProtocol #MP@35 #HFCs #Globalcooperation #ProtectLifeonEarth
What: In 1987 representatives from 24 countries met in Montreal and announced to the world that it was time to stop destroying the ozone layer. In so doing, these countries committed themselves, via the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, to rid the world of substances that threaten the ozone layer.
On 19 December 1994, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 16 September to be the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, commemorating the date when the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was signed in 1987. The day was first celebrated on September 16, 1995.
Montreal Protocol: Global cooperation protecting life on earth
The adoption of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer 35 years ago marked a turning point in environmental history. The Protocol has become a symbol of what global cooperation can achieve if people unite and work together to protect the environment.
On this thirty-fifth anniversary, we will remember how the Montreal Protocol ended one of the biggest threats ever to face humanity: the depletion of the ozone layer. When the world found out that man-made chemicals used in aerosol sprays and cooling were creating a hole in the sky, they came together.
On 16 September 1987, governments adopted the Montreal Protocol to control and reduce ozone-depleting substances, mainly chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons. The Protocol came into effect in 1989. By 2008, it was the first and only UN environmental agreement to be ratified by every country in the world. With over 99 per cent of ozone-depleting substances now phased out, the ozone layer is healing.
“In the face of a triple planetary crisis – climate change, nature loss and pollution – the Montreal Protocol is one of the best examples we have of the power of multilateralism; how global cooperation can protect life on Earth, which is the theme of this year’s World Ozone Day 35th anniversary,” said Meg Seki, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP’s) Ozone Secretariat.
Because the ozone layer filters most of the harmful ultra-violet radiation from the sun, this action has protected millions of people from skin cancer and cataracts. It allowed vital ecosystems to survive and thrive. It slowed climate change: if ozone-depleting chemicals had not been banned, we would be looking at a catastrophic global temperature rise of an estimated 2.5°C by 2100.
A recent study also estimated that without the Montreal Protocol ban on CFCs, less carbon would have been absorbed and stored in plants, vegetation and soil – Earth’s carbon sink – which might have led to an additional increase of 0.5 – 1ºC of global warming.
The work on climate is far from done, however. Under the Kigali Amendment, which came into force in January 2019, nations have committed to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) – potent greenhouse gases often used as replacements for the banned ozone-depleting substances in refrigerators and air-conditioners. Global compliance with the Kigali Amendment could avoid up to 0.4°C of global temperature rise by the end of the century.
As the world grows hotter and the demand for cooling rises, we need to ensure that future cooling technologies are sustainable. The Protocol and its Kigali Amendment promote the adoption of climate friendly and energy-efficient cooling technologies. This will potentially lead to additional climate and other benefits. For instance, making cold chains more sustainable and available, food loss and waste would be reduced, further decreasing carbon emissions, as well as increasing food security.
On this World Ozone Day, we celebrate the achievements of the Montreal Protocol: the Protocol that through global cooperation protected all living things, now and into the future.
Communication products
The Ozone Secretariat has developed a range of communication assets including posters, commissioned MP@35 logo, and annual WOD statement from the Secretary-General António Guterres. All assets can be found on the WOD2022 dedicated webpage or on the Trello board.
In addition to this, there is 35 year commemorative video and video address of UNEP’s Executive Director. A compilation of other ozone-related videos are also available on the WOD2022 webpage.
Website: https://ozone.unep.org/montreal-protocol-global-cooperation-protecting-life-on-earth
Hashtags: #OzoneDay #MontrealProtocol #MP@35 #HFCs #Globalcooperation #ProtectLifeonEarth
Trello: https://trello.com/c/JkNlkAOk/1976-%F0%9F%8C%8E-int-day-for-preservation-of-the-ozone-layer-35-yr-anniv-of-montreal-protocol-unep (including multilingual materials)
Events: For different global events commemorating World Ozone Day 2022 please check the WOD 2022 webpage.
For more information, interviews and details, contact:
- Stephanie Haysmith, Communication & Public Information, Ozone Secretariat [email protected]
- Keishamaza Rukikaire, Head of News and Media, UNEP [email protected]
- Moses Osani, Media Officer, UNEP, [email protected]