World Ozone Day: What Is Depleting the Ozone Layer and Why It Matters for Your Health

Ozone depletion may seem like an environmental problem that was addressed decades ago. However, the recovery of the ozone layer is still underway and depends on continued compliance with the Montreal Protocol.

The World Ozone Day 2026 theme, “Global action for a cooler planet", marks ten years since the adoption of the Kigali Amendment. The amendment focuses on reducing hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). HFCs do not deplete the ozone layer, but many are extremely potent greenhouse gases, with global warming potentials ranging from hundreds to thousands of times that of CO₂.^[1]

The theme therefore connects two important goals: protecting the ozone layer and reducing the climate impact of cooling technologies.

The ozone layer is located in the stratosphere, high above the Earth’s surface. It absorbs most of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet-B, or UV-B, radiation before it reaches the ground.

Stratospheric ozone should not be confused with ground-level ozone. Ozone in the upper atmosphere helps protect human health, while ozone near the ground is an air pollutant and a major component of smog.^[2]

When the ozone layer becomes thinner, more ultraviolet radiation can reach the Earth. The health benefits of ozone protection are significant; excessive UV exposure is associated with:

• Melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers

• Cataracts and other forms of eye damage

• Sunburn and premature skin ageing

• Suppression of certain immune responses

• Damage to plants, crops and marine ecosystems

ESG stands for Environmental, Social and Governance. The environmental component considers how a business manages pollution, waste, natural resources, emissions and climate-related risks.

Ozone protection falls under the environmental pillar because everyday business operations can involve refrigerants, chemicals, and equipment that affect the atmosphere. It is particularly relevant for organisations that:

• Operate refrigeration or air-conditioning systems.

• Manage cold-storage or temperature-controlled facilities.

• Use industrial solvents or process chemicals.

• Maintain fire suppression systems.

• Manufacture or service cooling equipment.

• Dispose of appliances containing refrigerants.

A responsible environmental strategy should therefore consider ozone-depletion potential and climate impact when selecting cooling technologies.

Many ozone-depleting substances have been phased out of new production. However, older equipment, stored chemicals, poor servicing practices and improper disposal can still release them.

Cooling systems may release refrigerants during normal operation, maintenance, repairs or disposal. Smaller leaks can continue unnoticed, particularly in ageing or poorly maintained equipment.

Replacing a refrigerant also requires careful assessment. A substance with no ozone-depletion potential may still contribute significantly to global warming.

Fire Suppression Systems

Halons were commonly used in fire suppression because they work quickly, leave little residue and do not conduct electricity. However, they are also among the most damaging ozone-depleting substances.

Although the production of many halons has been phased out, recycled stocks and older installations may still remain in specialised settings such as data centres, aviation facilities and industrial sites.

Businesses with legacy systems should maintain accurate inventories, prevent unnecessary releases and consult qualified professionals before replacing a fire suppression agent. 

Industrial Chemicals and Solvents

Ozone-depleting chemicals were historically used in industrial cleaning, electronics manufacturing, foam production, aerosols and chemical processing.

Some organisations may still encounter these substances in old equipment, stored materials or imported products. Procurement teams should verify the chemical composition of products instead of relying on broad claims such as “eco-friendly” or “green”.

Environmental reporting turns broad commitments into measurable responsibilities. For organisations using the GRI Standards, ozone-depleting substances have historically been addressed through GRI 305-6, which covers the production, imports, and exports of ODS in CFC-11 equivalents. Organisations should also consider the latest applicable GRI requirements when designing their reporting approach. It asks organisations to identify the substances involved and explain how the figures were calculated.

Even when formal reporting is not required, businesses can monitor:

• Types of refrigerants used

• Quantity of refrigerant purchased

• Annual leakage rates

• Number of systems upgraded

• Refrigerant recovered during disposal

• Technician training levels

• Energy consumed by cooling systems

Collecting this information can reveal ageing equipment, repeated leaks, poor maintenance and gaps in contractor oversight.

The Montreal Protocol was adopted on 16 September 1987 and has achieved universal ratification. It regulates nearly 100 man-made ozone-depleting chemicals.

According to UNEP, approximately 98% of controlled ozone-depleting substances have been phased out globally compared with 1990 levels.^[3]

The agreement succeeded because scientific evidence was translated into clear substances, deadlines, reporting requirements and phase-out targets.

World Ozone Day can therefore serve as an annual checkpoint to review whether cooling, maintenance, and chemical-handling practices meet current environmental expectations.

The recovery of the ozone layer demonstrates what coordinated environmental action can achieve. But the next phase requires businesses to look beyond ozone-depleting substances alone and consider the climate impact, energy efficiency and lifecycle management of cooling systems.

World Ozone Day 2026 is therefore more than a reminder of past progress. It is an opportunity for organisations to review their refrigerants, equipment, suppliers, reporting practices, and transition plans—and to ensure that the technologies keeping people and businesses cool are also helping to protect the planet.