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World Ozone Day is observed annually on 16 September. The day is dedicated to the importance of preserving the protective ozone layer, which is a fragile shield of gas that protects the earth from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Without this protective layer, UV rays would cause significant harm to human health, agriculture, marine ecosystems, and biodiversity. The day also commemorates the adoption of Montreal Protocol, a landmark international treaty signed in 1987 to phase out substances that deplete the ozone layer.
The theme for 2024 World Ozone Day is, “Montreal Protocol: Advancing Climate Action”. This theme emphasizes the collective responsibility we have in protecting the ozone layer and driving broader climate action initiatives globally. It also highlights the close interconnection between ozone layer protection and climate change, as many ozone-depleting substances (ODS) are also potent greenhouse gases. By reducing emissions of greenhouse gases, we not only protect the ozone layer but also contribute to mitigating climate change. We believe that transitioning to renewable energy, protecting biodiversity, and advancing innovations in biobased solutions will be critical in reducing ozone depletion and ensuring a sustainable, resilient future for our planet.
We will be discussing climate action at the upcoming Global Bioeconomy Summit (GBS) 2024 on 23 – 24 October 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya, under the theme, “One Planet: Sustainable Bioeconomy Solutions to Global Challenges”. For the first time, GBS will be held in Africa, and brings together bioeconomy experts and high-ranking representatives from politics, science, civil society and the business sector from all hemispheres. GBS2024 will provide a platform to discuss global bioeconomy issues and innovative solutions in the areas of clean energy and sustainable agriculture, which have a role to play in reducing ozone-depleting substances and transitioning to climate-friendly alternatives.
GBS2024 will showcase cutting-edge biobased solutions and explore how they can contribute to reducing global carbon footprints. The Summit will also discuss cross-sector collaboration to accelerate sustainable practices and leveraging partnerships in the bioeconomy to drive policy change for climate and ozone protection among others.
GBS2024 Speakers Addressing Climate Action include, but are not limited to:
 Dr Stefania Abakerli, Senior Climate Specialist, World Bank, USA |  Prof Mans Nilsson, Executive Director, Stockholm Environment Institute, Sweden |
 Franck Leroy, President of Grand Est, France |  Dr Linda Davis, Founder and CEO, Giraffe Bioenergy, Kenya |
 Dr Lily Eurwilaichitr, Assistant Executive Director, National Energy Technology Centre, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Thailand |
Nicoló Giacomuzzi-Moore, Executive Director, Circular Biobased Europe, Belgium |
 Morten Enggaard Rasmussen, Executive Vice President, People and Stakeholder Relations, Novonesis, Denmark |  Hailey Ciantar, European Commission Bioeconomy Youth Ambassador, Malta |
To read full profile of GBS2024 speakers, visit here.
Register now for GBS2024 to meet and engage with the global bioeconomy community. Click here to register.
To learn more about 2024 World Ozone Day, visit here.
