World Ozone Day is annually observed on 16th September to commemorate the signing of the Montreal Protocol. The observance goes by the official name – International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. Recently, India marked its 28th World Ozone Day, underscoring the theme “Montreal Protocol@35: global cooperation protecting life on earth”. The Montreal Protocol is a global agreement that aims to halt the production of substances contributing to ozone depletion. It holds the unique distinction of being the only United Nations (UN) treaty to have received ratification from every country in the world.
Highlights of World Ozone Day Observance in India
On this day, several publications were released by the Ozone Cell of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change. These included the 23rd edition of “The Montreal Protocol: India’s Success Story” and an Action Plan for implementing the India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP) recommendations. Reports concerning public procurement policies for non-Ozone Depleting Substance based refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment and cold chain sector promotion were also presented. Winners of a national level poster making and slogan writing competition for school children themed ‘Save Our Ozone Layer’ were announced.
Adoption of Lifestyle for the Environment and Collaboration with Indian Institutes
There was a call for the adoption of a Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE). This concept promotes sustainable lifestyles through conscious consumption and utilization of resources. A collaborative effort was initiated with eight Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) across various cities. The objective of this collaboration is to advance research and development of chemicals with low global warming potential. Such chemicals can serve as alternatives to substances controlled under the Montreal Protocol, thereby supporting the Government’s Make in India initiative.
India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP)
The ICAP was launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change in March 2019. It provides a 20-year perspective and outlines actions needed for sustainable cooling access. The plan’s main aims include reducing cooling demand across sectors, refrigerant demand, and cooling energy requirements by significant percentages by 2037-38. It also seeks to train and certify 100,000 servicing sector technicians by 2022-23.
India’s Achievements in Implementing the Montreal Protocol
India is a signatory to the Montreal Protocol since June 1992. Several milestones have been achieved in adherence to the protocol’s schedule. Substances such as Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), Carbon tetrachloride, and Halons were completely phased out by January 1, 2010. Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are currently being phased out as per the protocol’s accelerated schedule.
Ozone Layer: An Overview
Ozone is a unique form of oxygen containing three atoms (O3), unlike the regular oxygen (O2) that we breathe. Most of the ozone is found in the Earth’s stratosphere, forming a protective layer against harmful ultraviolet rays. Ozone-depleting substances can contribute to its depletion, leading to health risks like increased incidences of skin cancer and cataracts in humans.
Impact of Wildfires on Ozone Layer
The frequency of extreme wildfires is expected to rise by 30% by 2050 due to global warming. This could reverse the successful efforts made under the Montreal Protocol in preserving the ozone layer. Significant forest fires in Australia, burning over 33 million hectares, have already demonstrated the potential impact of such disasters on the ozone layer.
