World Ozone Day 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, with the United Nations calling for faster action on sustainable cooling. Observed on 16 September under the theme “Global Action for a Cooler Planet,” the event highlights efforts to protect the ozone layer while addressing climate change.
The Kigali Amendment was adopted to phase down the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse gases used for cooling. According to the UN Secretary-General’s World Ozone Day message, full implementation of the amendment could avoid up to 0.5°C of global warming by the end of the century, and twice as much when combined with energy-efficient cooling.
The UN says access to efficient cooling is increasingly important as temperatures rise and extreme heat becomes more common. Sustainable cooling is also linked in the Secretary-General’s message to health, food security, livelihoods and climate resilience.
The Montreal Protocol was signed in 1987, and the UN General Assembly proclaimed 16 September as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer in 1994. UNEP said the protocol has supported the transition to safer and more sustainable alternatives through science-based policy, participation, compliance, financing and partnerships.
“On this World Ozone Day, I urge all countries to ratify and implement the Kigali Amendment, accelerate the shift to sustainable cooling, and protect people and planet,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said.
