Happy World Ozone Day!

Today, 16 September, we celebrate the thirty-five years of success of the two ozone treaties: the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, first signed in 1985, and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, signed two years later and followed by several amendments including the historic Kigali Amendment. The two landmark agreements have fostered unprecedented international cooperation to protect human health and the environment by restoring the ozone layer and combatting climate change.

 

Ozone for Life: 35 Years of Ozone Layer Protection

 

This year’s theme ‘Ozone for Life: 35 Years of Ozone Layer Protection,’ gives us the opportunity to reflect with satisfaction on the treaties collective achievements and look ahead to their evolving roles for both ozone layer and climate protection. Without everyone's commitment, collaboration and sense of common purpose we would not have achieved the current "stratospheric" level of success.

This year's celebrations are unique since they are being held amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic, which prevents or restricts physical interaction for the celebrations.

 

The international consensus built under the ozone treaties is a living example of how governments, institutions and industry can find the right formula to work together to prevent imminent global threats, while respecting the specificities of each country, region and technology provider. Collectively, we can overcome what seems impossible.

 

UNEP OzonAction and IIR collaborations

 

Over the past few years, UNEP OzonAction and the IIR a have jointly organized well-attended and visible events, undertaken impressive campaigns to launch major services, produced useful publications and tools, and conducted highly appreciated training and/or certification programs.

Our longstanding cooperation has fostered efforts to address the technical and policy needs of developing countries under the Montreal Protocol.

All of these initiatives have been very well received by governments and stakeholders in developing countries, and many have applicability outside of those countries.

 

Join us in celebrating World Ozone Day 2020.

 

View the following key addresses:

 

• Message of UN Secretary General Mr. António Guterres
• Message of UN Environment Executive Secretary Ms. Inger Andersen