Delta Marks World Ozone Layer Day, Targets Sustainable Cooling Technologies ~ Truth Reporters

By Judith Kuejubola

The Delta State Government has renewed its commitment to protecting the ozone layer and promoting sustainable cooling technologies as the world commemorates the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, also known as World Ozone Day.

The Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Moses Ogodo, disclosed this in a press release issued to mark the 2026 World Ozone Day, with the theme: “Global Action for a Cooler Planet.”

Ogodo said the 2026 theme highlights the transformative impact of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, ten years after its adoption, particularly its focus on reducing hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), powerful greenhouse gases commonly used in air-conditioning and refrigeration.

According to him, the reduction of HFCs would contribute to mitigating climate change while sustaining efforts to protect the ozone layer.

The Commissioner noted that the achievements of the Montreal Protocol demonstrate the importance of science-based policies, universal participation, strong compliance, dedicated financing and effective partnerships in addressing global environmental challenges.

He said the commemoration provides an opportunity to promote safer and more sustainable alternatives, particularly energy-efficient cooling technologies that protect both the ozone layer and the climate.

Ogodo stated that the Delta State Government, under the leadership of the Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, was joining the international community to deepen public awareness of ozone-layer protection among industries, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), academia, students and the general public.

He said the State Government would continue to sensitise residents on the importance of regular inspection and maintenance of air-conditioning and refrigeration appliances to prevent and minimise refrigerant leakage.

The Commissioner also urged residents to purchase ozone-friendly appliances and aerosol products that do not contain ozone-depleting substances, embrace sustainable land-use practices, promote renewable energy and energy efficiency, and purchase recycled products wherever possible.

According to him, the Ministry of Environment has lined up activities to commemorate the 2026 World Ozone Day, including sensitisation campaigns in schools and marketplaces and awareness programmes for artisans and other practitioners involved in the handling of ozone-depleting substances.

He listed the target groups to include refrigerator and air-conditioner repairers, car air-conditioning installers, resource pickers, and dealers and manufacturers of foams and aerosols.

Ogodo further disclosed that the Ministry would organise a stakeholders’ workshop on “Sustainable Cooling Technologies for Climate and Ozone Protection.”

He added that the activities would culminate in the provision of complimentary servicing of air-conditioners and refrigerators in selected Ministries, Departments and Agencies across the State, in collaboration with members of the National Association of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Practitioners (NARAP), Delta State Chapter.

The Commissioner called on businesses, technicians, communities, schools, civil society organisations and the media to support government efforts toward protecting the ozone layer and promoting sustainable cooling practices.

“As we commemorate ten years of the Kigali Amendment, let us move beyond simply keeping our homes, offices, businesses and industries cool to adopting energy-efficient and sustainable cooling technologies that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” Ogodo said.

He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to environmental awareness and practical actions that would contribute to a healthier, safer and more climate-resilient Delta State, in line with the environmental sustainability objectives of the MORE Agenda of the Oborevwori administration.