Shina Ansari, head of the Environmental Department, called for strengthening international cooperation to address issues related to ozone layer depletion and climate change. She emphasized that achieving real, measurable, and controllable results is only possible with global participation, firm commitment to obligations, and allocation of targeted financial resources.
Speaking at the World Ozone Day ceremony on Tuesday, Ansari stated the necessity of restoring Earth's protective shield and safeguarding life from harmful solar radiation. She stressed that more effective steps must be taken to achieve common goals for solving global environmental problems, including ozone layer protection and mitigating global warming.
Referring to the Montreal Protocol, Ansari explained that this international agreement aims to control the production, trade, and consumption of ozone-depleting chemicals, with the ultimate goal of preserving life on Earth through the gradual phase-out of such substances. This landmark treaty, adopted in 1987 and entering into force in 1989, is considered one of the world's most successful environmental agreements and serves as a model for environmental interaction.
She noted that thanks to joint efforts by countries around the world, the ozone layer is on the path to recovery, and significant progress has been made in this direction. Ansari emphasized that the protocol demonstrated how science-based decision-making, global participation, effective international cooperation, strong commitment to obligations, and allocated financial resources can yield tangible results. This process not only ensured the protection of the ozone layer but also allowed countries and industries to transition to safer and more environmentally friendly alternatives while supporting economic development.
Kigali Amendment
Regarding the Kigali Amendment, Ansari reported that this year marks the 10th anniversary of this amendment, which is the latest addition to the Montreal Protocol. It was adopted to gradually reduce global emissions of potent greenhouse gases known as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and accelerate the transition to more efficient and safer refrigerants.
The implementation of this amendment in various countries over the past decade has shown how promoting effective technologies, strengthening industrial potential, and supporting innovation in the cooling sector can contribute to achieving development priorities. Ansari predicts that full implementation of the amendment could prevent global warming by 0.5–1 degree Celsius by 2100, calling it one of the most crucial approaches to mitigating climate change in the current century.
She added that, in line with the protocol's new goals aimed at aligning ozone layer protection with efforts to reduce global warming, issues such as new technologies, energy efficiency improvement, equipment modernization, and the development of clean technologies have become priorities, taking into account the country's current situation, economic considerations, industrial potential, market needs, and access to safe technologies. The Head of the Environmental Department noted that by utilizing the structure of the Montreal Protocol and the cooperation of its executive agencies and financial mechanisms, Iran can use the implementation of its international environmental obligations as an opportunity for domestic technology modernization and development.
In the context of this year's World Ozone Day theme, 'Global Actions for a Cooler Planet,' Ansari explained that this slogan reflects the international community's efforts to protect the ozone layer and the need to continue this course considering the interests of future generations. She expressed hope that these efforts will enable the successful implementation of the Montreal Protocol and create the necessary conditions and opportunities to solve global environmental crises. The official representative emphasized that the Montreal Protocol, as an inspiring agreement, symbolizes humanity's capacity for cooperation.
Iran's Environmental Commitments
Ansari reported that the Islamic Republic of Iran has taken effective steps in this direction in recent years through cooperation between national and international executive bodies, as well as the public and non-governmental sectors. She added that various industries using substances covered by the Montreal Protocol, along with other stakeholders, have taken significant and commendable steps. This progress has been made possible by a joint and responsible approach to fulfilling the country's obligations under these international treaties.
The Head of the Environmental Department also pointed to another environmental problem facing the country: damage and losses caused by the two wars waged against Iran over the last two years. She stated that these two unjust wars, in addition to numerous forms of damage inflicted on the country, damaged infrastructure and, unfortunately, civilian objects were attacked. Cultural and historical heritage sites, scientific and research centers were damaged, and irreparable losses were suffered by the country's natural habitats, coastal ecosystems, biodiversity, and even environmental protection facilities.
From this perspective, Ansari insisted that the harmful consequences of the wars—which can pose a serious obstacle to fulfilling international agreements—must also be taken into account, as they can have extremely devastating consequences.