Every year, on 16th September, we bear witness to the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone layer, also known as World Ozone Day. It is a day recognized globally for the importance and necessity of protecting the Earth’s fragile ozone layer.
The History Behind The Day
The Montreal Protocol on Substances that deplete the ozone layer was signed by nearly all the nations in 1987. Following this, in 1994, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 16th September to be the International Day for the Prevention of the Ozone Layer. This significant decision was an outcome of the groundbreaking Montreal Protocol, which eventually led to the elimination of 99% of ozone-damaging chemicals in numerous products such as refrigerators and air-conditioners.
Progress in Ozone Layer Recovery
The latest Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion, completed in 2018, offers some encouraging news. Parts of the ozone layer show recovery progress at a rate of 1-3% per decade since 2000. This achievement owes to collective efforts in protecting the ozone layer, which have also indirectly combated climate change by preventing approximately 135 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions between 1990 and 2010.
International Treaties and Agreements
In September 2009, the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol became the first treaties in the history of the United Nations to achieve universal ratification. This marked a key step in institutionalizing a mechanism for global cooperation towards preserving the ozone layer, initially formalized in the Vienna Convention in 1985. To further these efforts, at their 28th Meeting of the Parties in Kigali, Rwanda, in 2016, those bound by the Montreal Protocol agreed to work towards phasing-down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Recently, the Indian Government also approved the ratification of this Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol.
The 2021 Theme
The theme for 2021’s observance was ‘Montreal Protocol – Keeping us, our food, and vaccines cool.’ This theme reflects the importance of the Montreal Protocol in our everyday lives.
Understanding Ozone
Ozone, denoted chemically as O3, is a variant of oxygen (O2) that we breathe and is essential for life on Earth. The majority of ozone is found in the stratosphere, a region between 10 and 40km above Earth’s surface, and houses approximately 90% of all atmospheric ozone.
The Good and Bad Ozone
Not all ozone is equal. Good Ozone or stratospheric ozone acts as our planet’s shield, protecting us from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. However, it is under threat from man-made chemicals referred to as Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS), including CFCs, HCFCs, halons, methyl bromide, carbon tetrachloride, and methyl chloroform. On the other hand, Bad Ozone forms near ground level when pollutants emitted by various sources such as power plants, cars, industrial boilers, and chemical plants react chemically in sunlight. This type of ozone is a harmful air pollutant, contributing to environmental and health issues at the surface level.
Last Modified: February 13, 2024