Honiara, 16 September 2026 – The Solomon Islands joins the international community today to commemorate World Ozone Day 2026 under the theme “Global action for a cooler planet.”World Ozone Day is observed annually on 16 September to raise awareness of the importance of protecting the ozone layer. This year marks 10 years since the adoption of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which aims to phase down the use of high-global-warming hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
In Solomon Islands, the National Ozone Unit (NOU) of the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE) coordinates the country’s efforts to implement the Montreal Protocol and promote the responsible management of refrigerants. This year’s theme recognizes and celebrates a decade of the Kigali Amendment, which has brought sustainable cooling into greater focus while highlighting the continued success of the Montreal Protocol and its growing contribution to environmental protection.
As global temperatures continue to rise and demand for cooling increases, sustainable cooling solutions are more important than ever. The Kigali Amendment plays an important role by driving the phasedown of HFCs while supporting the transition towards more energy-efficient and climate-friendly cooling technologies. The achievements of the past decade demonstrate what can be achieved through global cooperation, while also highlighting the need for continued action to meet growing cooling needs in a changing climate.
The refrigeration and air-conditioning sector play an important role in everyday life, supporting homes, businesses, hospitals, food storage, fisheries and other essential services. However, the growing demand for cooling also highlights the importance of proper handling, recovery and management of refrigerants.
The NOU is working with Customs, refrigeration and air-conditioning technicians, businesses and other stakeholders to strengthen awareness, training, monitoring and enforcement, while promoting more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly cooling technologies. As part of this year’s celebrations, the NOU is conducting public awareness activities at the National Trade Fair in Honiara.
The NOU encourages everyone to play their part in protecting the atmosphere by using cooling equipment responsibly, maintaining equipment properly and ensuring refrigerants are handled by trained and qualified technicians.
The National Ozone Unit reminds the public that protecting the ozone layer is a shared responsibility. The actions we take today can contribute to a healthier, safer and more sustainable future for Solomon Islands.
Source: Media Release/National Ozone Unit/Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification Solomon Islands
