On 12th September 2024, the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) organized a public lecture on ozone depletion and climate change, setting the stage for the World Ozone Day celebration. The event, held ahead of the 16th September observance, attracted representatives from government institutions, higher learning institutions, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector.

World Ozone Day 2024 will be celebrated under the global theme, “Montreal Protocol: Advancing Climate Action.” This theme underscores the crucial role of the Montreal Protocol in the recovery of the ozone layer and its contribution to mitigating climate change, particularly through the Kigali Amendment. The public lecture served as a platform to discuss the broader impact of the Protocol on climate action and the importance of continued global cooperation to protect the environment for future generations.

In his opening remarks, Faustin Munyazikwiye, the Deputy Director General of REMA, emphasized the need for national and international collaboration to combat the harmful effects of ozone depletion. The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol is a testament to Rwanda’s leadership in addressing global environmental challenges. With universal ratification and implementation, we can reduce hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) emissions by more than 80% in the next 30 years, significantly curbing global warming.

The Kigali Amendment, adopted in 2016, phases down the production and consumption of HFCs, a potent group of greenhouse gases commonly used in cooling systems. According to climate experts, the full implementation of this amendment could reduce global warming by up to 0.5ºC by 2100. When combined with energy efficiency measures, the potential gains could be doubled. As global temperatures rise and the demand for cooling systems increases, sustainable solutions are critical for long-term climate resilience.

The public lecture further explored the connections between ozone depletion and climate change, highlighting their combined effects on human health and environmental sustainability. "Protecting the ozone layer goes hand-in-hand with advancing climate action. Our efforts to phase down HFCs and promote energy-efficient cooling solutions are pivotal in mitigating climate change and protecting future generations." Munyazikwiye said.

Discussions at the event also touched on Rwanda’s climate action, focusing on nature-based solutions and climate financing. Participants shared key achievements, including the latest data on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, climate projections, and the vulnerability index that informs Rwanda’s national planning efforts.

The World Ozone Day celebrations provide a critical opportunity for REMA to raise awareness about the government's initiatives in addressing both ozone depletion and climate change. The public lecture will be followed by a high-level roundtable discussions scheduled for 16th September 2024, that will offer further insights into Rwanda’s climate and nature finance strategies and its ongoing efforts to advance environmental sustainability.