Introduction
Cooling has become essential to modern life. It preserves food and medicines, protects vulnerable populations during extreme heat, supports healthcare facilities, and enables countless industries to operate safely. Yet the technologies that keep us cool can also affect the environment if not managed responsibly.
The theme for World Ozone Day 2026, “Global Action for a Cooler Planet – Celebrating 10 Years of Sustainable Cooling under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol,” highlights how innovation and international cooperation are transforming cooling technologies while protecting the ozone layer and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Can staying cool also help protect the planet?
The Success Story of the Ozone Layer
The ozone layer acts as Earth’s natural sunscreen, absorbing most of the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation before it reaches the surface. Without it, rates of skin cancer, cataracts, immune system damage, and ecosystem disruption would increase dramatically.
The discovery that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were destroying ozone led to one of history’s most successful international environmental agreements—the Montreal Protocol, adopted in 1987. Since then, nearly all ozone-depleting substances have been phased out, and scientists report that the ozone layer is gradually recovering.[1]
Why Sustainable Cooling Matters
While ozone-depleting chemicals are being eliminated, demand for cooling continues to grow. Air conditioners, refrigeration systems, cold-chain logistics, and medical storage all rely on refrigerants. Some newer refrigerants no longer damage the ozone layer but may still contribute significantly to global warming if released into the atmosphere.
The Kigali Amendment, adopted in 2016, addresses this challenge by promoting the gradual reduction of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)—powerful greenhouse gases used in many cooling systems. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), full implementation of the amendment could help avoid up to 0.5°C of global warming by the end of the century while improving energy efficiency.[2]
Cooling Supports Health
Reliable cooling is a public health necessity. Vaccines, blood products, insulin, and many other medicines depend on uninterrupted refrigeration. Hospitals require cooling systems to maintain safe operating environments, while food refrigeration reduces spoilage and lowers the risk of foodborne illness.
As populations grow and temperatures rise, access to efficient and sustainable cooling becomes increasingly important for protecting human health, especially among children, older adults, and people with chronic illnesses.
Innovation Is Driving Progress
New technologies are making cooling systems safer and more sustainable. Manufacturers are developing refrigerants with lower environmental impacts alongside more energy-efficient appliances. Smart cooling systems optimize energy use, while improved building design reduces the need for mechanical cooling altogether.
Researchers are also exploring passive cooling materials, advanced insulation, and renewable-energy-powered refrigeration systems that can improve access to safe cooling while reducing environmental impacts.
A One Health Perspective
Sustainable Cooling demonstrates how environmental protection and public health are closely connected.
Protecting the ozone layer reduces harmful UV exposure for people, animals, crops, and marine ecosystems. At the same time, efficient cooling safeguards medicines, food supplies, and healthcare infrastructure while reducing energy demand and environmental impacts.
The One Health approach recognizes that environmental policies, technological innovation, healthcare, agriculture, and sustainable development all contribute to healthier communities. International cooperation through agreements such as the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment shows how coordinated global action can protect both planetary and human health.
Conclusion
The recovery of the ozone layer stands as one of the world’s greatest environmental achievements—but the work continues.
This World Ozone Day, celebrate the progress made through sustainable cooling technologies and international collaboration. Supporting efficient refrigeration, responsible refrigerant management, and innovative cooling solutions helps protect the ozone layer while strengthening public health and environmental resilience.
A cooler planet begins with smarter choices—and those choices benefit everyone.
References
- World Meteorological Organization (WMO) (2022) Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion: 2022. Geneva: World Meteorological Organization. Available at:
https://csl.noaa.gov/assessments/ozone/ - United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) (2026) World Ozone Day 2026: Global Action for a Cooler Planet – Celebrating 10 Years of Sustainable Cooling under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. Available at:
https://ozone.unep.org/ozone-day/global-action-cooler-planet - United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) (2023) The Montreal Protocol: Protecting Life on Earth. Nairobi: UNEP. Available at:
https://ozone.unep.org/treaties/montreal-protocol - Xu, Y., Zaelke, D., Velders, G.J.M. and Ramanathan, V. (2013) ‘The role of HFCs in mitigating 21st century climate change’, Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, 13(12), pp. 6083–6089. Available at: https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-6083-2013
