UN Secretary-General Wants National Cooling Action Plans 

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres released a message this week calling upon action to develop national plans to address the need for cooling around the world.

"We need all countries to develop National Cooling Action Plans to deliver efficient and sustainable cooling and bring essential life‑preserving services like vaccines and safe food to all people."

He also called for "concrete and enhanced actions from industry,”adding, “The leadership of global leading companies is essential to realize the vision into reality.” 

Guterres also referenced the UN's Montreal Protocol treaty, which he called  “an inspirational example of how humanity is capable of cooperating to address a global challenge, and a key instrument for tackling today’s climate crisis”.

The timing of his message was September 16, World Ozone Day, or International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, the day the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was signed in 1987.

His comments also came in the lead-up to September 23, when the UN’s Climate Change Action Summit begins in New York City, aiming to ramp up global ambitions in addressing the climate emergency. Referencing the Summit, Guterres said: “As we rightly focus our energies on tackling climate change, we must be careful not to neglect the ozone layer and stay alert to the threat posed by the illegal use of ozone-depleting gases.” 

Referring to the recent detection of CFC-11 gases in China, Guterres spoke about the need for continued monitoring and reporting systems, improved regulations and enforcement of the phase down of f-gases.

He also alluded to the HFC-phase down planned under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which went into effect in 2019. “Implementation of the Kigali Amendment will be front and center for climate action,” Guterres said. “