In Message on Preserving Ozone Layer, Secretary-General Calls Montreal Protocol ‘a Milestone’ for Planet, All People

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, observed on 16 September:

The thirtieth anniversary of the Montreal Protocol is a milestone for all people and our planet.  When scientists found that everyday products were destroying the fragile ozone layer, the world responded with the Montreal Protocol.  It rallies Governments, companies, doctors, scientists and citizens to reverse the damage.

That saves millions of people from skin cancer and cataracts each year, and the Protocol helps combat poverty, address climate change and protect the food chain.  The treaty also creates new business opportunities — and it will save the global economy over $2 trillion by 2050.

Today we celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of the Montreal Protocol.  And we congratulate ozone heroes around the world.