World Ozone Day 2023 – the ozone layer and its recovery

News
  • The ozone layer protects us and other living organisms from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
  • In 2023, the theme of the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is: “The Montreal Protocol: fixing the ozone layer and reducing climate change.”
  • This confirms recent findings of the Scientific Assessment Panel on the positive impact of the Montreal Protocol on climate change. The recovery of the ozone layer is progressing according to plan. Support for climate challenges is enabled by the Kigali Amendment.

On World Ozone Day 2023, we celebrate the achievements of the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer. The ozone layer is stabilising, thereby helping to limit further climate change. The latest update to the Montreal Protocol, prepared by the Scientific Assessment Panel, confirmed that the recovery of the ozone layer is progressing correctly.

It is expected that over Antarctica, ozone levels will return to 1980 levels around 2066.

POSITIVE EFFECTS OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TREATY

The treaty banned the use of ozone-depleting substances. As a result, the ozone layer can slowly recover. The treaty also protects millions of people from skin cancer and cataracts, safeguards ecosystems, and slows climate change—many ozone-depleting substances are also greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.

However, the work and benefits of the Montreal Protocol are not yet complete. The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol aims to gradually reduce the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). HFCs are potent greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming and were introduced to replace ozone-depleting substances in the refrigeration industry. Widespread ratification of the Amendment and its full implementation are crucial for many reasons.

A CHANCE TO PROTECT THE PLANET

The planet is warming, which increases the demand for air conditioning in homes, schools, and workplaces. At the same time, expanding access to a sustainable cold chain to preserve food freshness and vaccine viability is essential to meeting sustainable development goals. This development of refrigeration must be sustainable, which means both finding safe and environmentally friendly alternatives to HFCs and improving the energy efficiency of refrigeration equipment. By phasing down HFCs, the Kigali Amendment could help avoid up to 0.5°C of warming by 2100. Implementing energy efficiency measures could potentially double this impact.

The conclusion is clear: for nearly 40 years, the Montreal Protocol has played and will continue to play a fundamental role in protecting human health, nature, and the climate.

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