Kuwait has reiterated its commitment to international efforts aimed at protecting the ozone layer through adherence to global agreements and the implementation of various national and regional initiatives. The announcement was made by Deema Al-Adsani, a board member of the Kuwaiti Society for Environmental Protection (KSEP), in observance of the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, marked annually on September 16.
Al-Adsani highlighted Kuwait’s ongoing projects designed to support the phase-out of ozone-depleting substances as outlined in international protocols, including the 1987 Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment, which celebrated its tenth anniversary this year. These agreements focus on reducing the production and consumption of chemicals that harm the ozone layer and contribute to climate change, emphasizing the importance of collective action by governments, institutions, civil society, and the private sector in addressing environmental challenges.
The ozone layer functions as a protective shield by absorbing ultraviolet radiation from the sun, thereby safeguarding human health, animal life, and vegetation. Al-Adsani noted that excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays increases risks such as skin cancer, making the preservation of the ozone layer critical. Satellite imagery during global COVID-19 lockdowns showed signs of ozone layer recovery, which she attributed in part to decreased pollution and strengthened environmental measures.
KSEP integrates awareness of ozone protection and relevant international agreements into its training and outreach programs. These initiatives cover foundational treaties such as the 1985 Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol, as well as their connections to Kuwait’s national legislation and environmental policies. The society’s publication, "Al-Biaa" (The Environment) magazine, regularly features scientific content on the causes of ozone depletion, the chemicals involved, and the consequences of increased ultraviolet exposure. It also stresses the importance of reducing pollutants and maintaining air quality.
Al-Adsani emphasized that environmental protection efforts under the Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment have not only contributed to climate benefits but also supported economic and social goals aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. She called for continued cooperation at all levels to sustain and advance progress in restoring the ozone layer and mitigating climate change impacts.
The United Nations designated the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer to commemorate the Montreal Protocol’s signing and to encourage global efforts to eliminate substances that damage the ozone layer. The 2026 observance carries the theme “Global Action for a Cooler Planet,” reflecting the interconnected goals of ozone protection and climate resilience.