UNIDO Highlights Vienna & Montreal Protocols as Models for Climate Action on World Ozone Day
SDG 13: Climate Action | SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Institutions: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
On 16 September 2025, World Ozone Day marked the 40th anniversary of the Vienna Convention, the only environmental treaty with universal ratification. The Convention and its operational arm, the Montreal Protocol (1987), were established to protect the ozone layer by phasing out ozone-depleting substances (ODS) such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons. These measures have enabled significant recovery of the ozone layer, with scientists projecting a near-complete healing by mid-century.
UNIDO Director General Gerd MΓΌller highlighted how the Montreal Protocol has evolved into a dual environmental instrument: it has successfully curbed ODS to safeguard the ozone shield while also avoiding greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 82 million tons of COβ in 2024 alone. Since 2010, UNIDO has helped more than 400 enterprises transition to ozone- and climate-friendly technologies. The Protocolβs Kigali Amendment (2016) extends this progress by mandating the gradual phase-down of HFCs, potent greenhouse gases used in cooling and refrigeration.
The ozone treaties show how science-based, universally ratified agreements with strong compliance mechanisms can deliver tangible planetary benefits. For India, this underscores the need to strengthen its Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment implementation strategies - not only for climate goals but also to ensure long-term protection of the ozone layer vital for human health, ecosystems, and agriculture.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
How can India accelerate adoption of ozone- and climate-friendly cooling technologies while ensuring affordability, safety, and industrial competitiveness?
Follow the full news here: https://www.unido.org/news/world-ozone-day-unido-director-general-muller-highlights-work-under-vienna-convention-montreal-protocol-beacon-successful-climate-action