Vietnam joins global community in protecting the ozone layer and earth’s climate

Note from Editorial Board: On the occasion of the 2025 International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, which also marks the 40th anniversary of the Vienna Convention, Dr. Tang The Cuong, Director General of the Department of Climate Change under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, spoke with the Vietnam Agriculture and Nature News (VAN News) about Vietnam’s achievements in protecting the ozone layer, advancing green transition, and fostering intergovernmental and public-private partnership.

In 2025, the world celebrates 40 years of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, one of humanity’s most successful environmental treaties. Four decades ago, facing the threat of ozone depletion endangering life on Earth, nations came together to sign the Vienna Convention, followed by the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. These landmark agreements stand as clear evidence of the power of science and global unity, showing that when humanity acts collectively, even the greatest challenges can be overcome.

Thanks to four decades of global cooperation, humanity has now phased out 99% of ozone-depleting substances, enabling the ozone layer to gradually recover, with projections of full restoration by mid-century. This achievement has not only safeguarded human health from harmful ultraviolet radiation but also slowed global warming, as both ozone-depleting substances and many of their replacements are powerful greenhouse gases. Research indicates that without the Montreal Protocol, average global temperatures could have risen an additional 0.5°C by the end of this century.

As a developing nation, Vietnam promptly embraced and properly implemented international responsibilities. The nation entirely eradicated CFCs, Halons, and CTCs by 2010; discontinued the use of pure HCFC-141b in foam manufacturing by 2015; and permits methyl bromide solely for agricultural quarantine applications. The 2020 Environmental Protection Law, coupled with Decree No. 06/2022/ND-CP on greenhouse gas reduction and ozone protection, as amended by Decree No. 119/2025/ND-CP, establishes ozone protection, supported by associated circulars and technical standards.

The Ozone Secretariat reports that since Vietnam's accession to the Vienna Convention and Montreal Protocol, the nation has averted 240 million tons of CO₂ equivalent emissions by August 2025, a notable achievement that aids in ozone preservation and substantially bolsters global climate mitigation efforts. Vietnam's national strategy for the management and elimination of ozone-depleting compounds and regulated greenhouse gases anticipates a reduction of an additional 11.2 million tons of CO₂ equivalent by 2045, thereby solidifying its pledge to attain net-zero emissions by 2050.

The ozone protection measures in Vietnam are tightly linked to various national agendas, including greenhouse gas management, sustainable cooling, energy efficiency, green economic growth, and the enhancement of business competitiveness. Regulating and eliminating ozone-depleting compounds and potent greenhouse gases yields environmental advantages while also creating chances in carbon financing, technical advancement, and an extensive green transition.

“The success of the Vienna Convention and Montreal Protocol is clear proof that science, cooperation, and international solidarity can deliver extraordinary results”, Dr. Tang The Cuong said. “I believe Vietnam will continue to stand with the global community to fully implement its commitments, promote clean-energy technologies, strengthen public–private partnerships, and raise public awareness”.

Marking 40 years of the Vienna Convention is both a time to reflect on past achievements and a reminder of our responsibility to future generations. With strong political will, nationwide unity, and close international cooperation, Vietnam is confident that efforts to protect the ozone layer will continue to succeed, contributing significantly to climate protection and sustainable development both at home and worldwide.