Guterres Champions Kigali Amendment as Key to Climate Crisis Solution Ahead of Ozone Layer Day

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has emphasized the significance of the Montreal Protocol’s Kigali Amendment in mitigating the climate crisis.

Speaking prior to today’s International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, Guterres highlighted the global efforts to protect the ozone layer as a symbol of hope.

He said, “The ozone layer, once an ailing patient, is on the road to recovery.”

He emphasized the Protocol’s political resolve for the common good, highlighting its benefits in reducing ozone depletion, protecting health, and avoiding economic losses.

He underscored the urgency of the Protocol’s Kigali Amendment to phase down HFCs, highlighting its crucial role in climate mitigation and environmental protection.

“And that is needed more than ever as temperature records continue to shatter,” he said.

Recognizing that four out of five nations had ratified the Kigali Amendment, Guterres said: “If fully ratified and implemented, the Kigali Amendment could help avoid as much as 0.5 ºC of global warming by the end of this century. Yet, a range of climate solutions—including those related to refrigerants and energy efficiency—are also needed to avert a climate crisis by mid-century.”