International Ozone Day: DG Muller Spotlights Actions under Montreal Protocol as a Guiding Light for Climate Initiatives
World Ozone Day Observed Globally; UNIDO Highlights Montreal Protocol Success
Vienna, September 16 --- World Ozone Day, marked annually on September 16, emphasizes the significance of the ozone layer and the Montreal Protocol agreement of 1987, designed to protect it. The Montreal Protocol has proven to be an exemplary instance of successful multilateralism, highlighted by UNIDO Director General Gerd Müller, in managing global challenges.
Müller, addressing the importance of the Montreal Protocol, noted, "With urgency and collaboration from governments, the private sector, and civil society around the world, we managed to avoid a catastrophic impact on global health and the ecosystem. The Montreal Protocol's implementation by UNIDO led to transformations in industries worldwide, fostering jobs, innovation, improved food security, and circular economy practices."
Since its establishment in 1993, UNIDO has supported over 100 countries globally by helping them implement the Montreal Protocol. Last year, UNIDO projects under the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment prevented approximately 41 million metric tons of Carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to the emissions generated by over 9.2 million cars in a year.
Müller underscored the vital role played by other implementers of the Montreal Protocol, including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the World Bank.
Expressing optimism about the future, Müller said, "We should emulate the same determination to bring low-emission and climate-resilient solutions worldwide. The Montreal Protocol continues to protect both people and the planet. UNIDO stands ready to deliver concrete solutions."
The ozone layer, a segment of the Earth's atmosphere, absorb the majority of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), used in various sectors like aerosol cans, refrigeration, and air conditioning, were identified as the cause of ozone depletion. The Montreal Protocol resolved to phase out the production and consumption of CFCs and other chemicals that deplete the ozone layer.
UNIDO has been supporting governments, institutions, and industries worldwide with Montreal Protocol Multilateral Fund projects, including assisting over 400 enterprises in converting their industrial production lines to eco-friendly options. Furthermore, UNIDO provides technical expertise and best practices worldwide to support member states through its projects.
The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which took effect in 2019, aims to phase down the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse gases that replaced CFC. Although HFCs do not harm the ozone layer, they contribute to global warming, and the successful implementation of the Kigali Amendment, coupled with energy efficiency measures, is projected to lead to substantial reductions in global average temperature rises.
For more details about UNIDO's work under the Montreal Protocol, visit our website/MontrealProtocol. Read about UNIDO's Montreal Protocol success stories, including Driving innovation through MP projects, Food security and safety through the MP projects, Promoting Circular Economy through MP projects, A Brazilian breakthrough in eco-friendly refrigeration, and UNIDO helps Joran install climate-friendly supermarket refrigeration systems.
[1] Driving innovation through MP projects: Three UNIDO projects win ASHRAE-UNEP innovation award (https://www.our website/MontrealProtocol/Three-UNIDO-projects-win-ASHRAE-UNEP-innovation-award)
[2] Food security and safety through the MP projects: Eco-friendly refrigeration: on the aquaculture highway in Chile | UNIDO (https://www.our website/MontrealProtocol/Eco-friendly-refrigeration-on-the-aquaculture-highway-in-Chile-UNIDO)
[3] Promoting Circular Economy through MP projects: Promoting circularity in refrigerant gases: a climate-friendly cooling solution | UNIDO (https://www.our website/MontrealProtocol/Promoting-circularity-in-refrigerant-gases-a-climate-friendly-cooling-solution-UNIDO)
[4] A Brazilian breakthrough in eco-friendly refrigeration (https://www.our website/stories/montreal-protocol-hcfc-refrigeration)
[5] UNIDO helps Joran install climate-friendly supermarket refrigeration systems (https://www.our website/news/climate-friendly-supermarket-refrigeration-installed-jordan)
[6] UNIDO wins award for projects phasing-out hazardous pesticide (https://www.our website/news/our-website-wins-award-projects-phasing-out-hazardous-pesticide)
[7] Greenhouse Gases Equivalencies Calculator - Calculations and References | US EPA (https://www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gas-equivalencies-calculator-calculations-and-references)
- The Montreal Protocol's implementation by UNIDO, such as the projects driving innovation, promoting circular economy, and improving food security, demonstrates the significant role science plays in addressing climate change, food security, and environmental issues.
- With the successful phase-out of ozone-depleting substances under the Montreal Protocol, and the subsequent reduction in potentially harmful greenhouse gases like hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), politicians worldwide are increasingly recognizing the importance of science in shaping general news and policy related to climate change.
- The implementation of the Montreal Protocol by organizations like UNIDO has not only addressed the ozone layer depletion issue but also contributed to environmental science advancements, such as paints and appliances that are more eco-friendly, thus improving the overall condition of our planet and ensuring food security for future generations.
