Saving the ozone was only the beginning

The International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, observed annually on 16 September, serves as a reminder of one of the world’s most successful environmental achievements: the global effort to reverse ozone depletion through international cooperation.

In an interview with The Beiruter, Dr. George Mitri, Professor of Environmental Sciences at the Institute of the Environment at the University of Balamand, asserted that while the recovery of the ozone layer represents a major environmental milestone, the challenge has evolved beyond eliminating ozone-depleting substances to ensuring that their replacements do not accelerate climate change; not just worldwide but in Lebanon as well.

A global environmental success story

According to Dr. Mitri, the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer commemorates far more than an annual environmental awareness campaign. It celebrates what he considers one of the greatest success stories in international environmental cooperation.

At the center of that achievement is the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, signed in 1987. The agreement demonstrated that countries could collectively address a global environmental crisis when scientific evidence, political commitment, technological innovation and adequate financial support were combined within a well-designed international framework.

The ozone layer acts as Earth’s natural shield against harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. During the late 20th century, scientists warned that its depletion posed serious threats to human health, ecosystems and biodiversity. International action under the Montreal Protocol successfully phased out many of the chemicals responsible for ozone destruction, placing the ozone layer on a path toward recovery.

Dr. Mitri noted that the significance of the day extends beyond celebrating past achievements. It also serves as an annual reminder that continued commitment is necessary to preserve those gains for future generations.

From ozone protection to sustainable cooling

While the original objective focused on eliminating ozone-depleting substances such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), Dr. Mitri explained that environmental priorities have since expanded.

Many of the chemicals introduced to replace CFCs and HCFCs, particularly hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), do not damage the ozone layer. However, they are powerful greenhouse gases with a global warming potential that can far exceed that of carbon dioxide.

This shift led to the adoption of the Kigali Amendment in 2016, which seeks to gradually reduce the production and consumption of HFCs. Dr. Mitri noted that 2026 marks the amendment’s 10th anniversary, underscoring its growing importance in linking ozone protection with climate action.

As temperatures continue to rise worldwide, demand for air conditioning and refrigeration is increasing rapidly. The challenge today, he said, is to develop sustainable cooling systems that both protect the ozone layer and minimize greenhouse gas emissions while improving energy efficiency.

Why ozone depletion still matters

Although significant progress has been made globally, Dr. Mitri stressed that ozone depletion remains a serious environmental and public health concern.

The thinning of the ozone layer allows greater amounts of ultraviolet radiation to reach the Earth’s surface, increasing the risk of skin cancer and eye diseases such as cataracts. Elevated UV exposure also damages agricultural crops, reduces forest productivity, and affects marine ecosystems by harming algae that form the foundation of aquatic food chains.

These consequences are not unique to any one country, he noted, but apply equally to Lebanon and other parts of the world.

Lebanon's progress despite multiple crises

Despite enduring years of economic collapse, institutional paralysis and security challenges, Lebanon has continued implementing its commitments under the Montreal Protocol, according to Dr. Mitri.

Lebanon joined the Montreal Protocol in 1993 and established the National Ozone Unit within the Ministry of Environment, in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in 1998. The unit has played a central role in eliminating CFCs and facilitating the transition away from ozone-depleting substances across industrial sectors.

The country also ratified the Kigali Amendment in 2019, reinforcing its commitment to gradually reducing climate-damaging refrigerants.

Dr. Mitri highlighted another significant step through Decree No. 3277 of 2016, which introduced a licensing and quota system regulating the import and export of ozone-depleting substances. The decree also prohibited the use of certain HCFC compounds in industrial applications and strengthened oversight of refrigerant imports.

These measures, he said, demonstrate that Lebanon has largely fulfilled its international obligations despite facing exceptionally difficult domestic circumstances.

The remaining challenges

While legislative progress has been substantial, implementation remains the primary challenge.

Older refrigeration and air-conditioning systems containing ozone-depleting substances are still widely used across Lebanon. Preventing refrigerant leaks from aging equipment and ensuring proper maintenance remain critical priorities.

Dr. Mitri also pointed to the need for stronger customs and border controls to prevent illegal imports of prohibited substances.

Lebanon’s prolonged electricity crisis further complicates the transition. Because newer cooling technologies are more expensive, many households and businesses continue relying on older, energy-intensive equipment. Frequent dependence on diesel generators also increases greenhouse gas emissions, linking energy insecurity directly to broader climate challenges.

Building a sustainable cooling sector

Looking ahead, Dr. Mitri argued that Lebanon should move beyond simply replacing ozone-depleting substances and instead adopt a comprehensive sustainable cooling strategy.

He recommended updating existing regulations to fully implement the Kigali Amendment, prohibiting imports of outdated and inefficient cooling equipment, and establishing national certification programs to ensure refrigerants are handled only by qualified technicians.

He also called for stronger refrigerant recovery and recycling systems, mandatory minimum energy performance standards for cooling equipment, and the implementation of a comprehensive National Cooling Plan integrating energy, health, agriculture and housing policies.

Improving climate-responsive building design and prioritizing cooling access for hospitals, schools and vulnerable communities during increasingly frequent heatwaves would also reduce dependence on energy-intensive mechanical cooling.

For Dr. Mitri, the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is both a celebration of international cooperation and a reminder that environmental progress must continue evolving. Therefore, he believes Lebanon’s future success will depend not only on eliminating ozone-depleting substances but also on accelerating the transition toward sustainable, energy-efficient cooling technologies that simultaneously protect the ozone layer and contribute to global efforts against climate change.