International Ozone Day 2022: History, theme, significance and other details
World Ozone Day 2022: September 16 is designated as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer each year. Each year on September 16, people throughout the world celebrate World Ozone Day to raise awareness of the ozone layer’s deterioration and explore remedies.
Where is the ozone layer?
It is located between 15 and 35 kilometres above Earth’s surface. Both the Stratosphere which is the upper atmosphere of the Earth, as well as the Troposphere which is the lower atmosphere, contain it naturally and artificially.
How does the Ozone Layer safeguard us?
The presence of ozone prevents damaging UV light, particularly the UV-B variety, from penetrating the Earth’s surface and harming us by inflicting sunburn, cataracts, skin cancer, and other illnesses.
World Ozone Day- History
In 1994, the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer was declared by the United Nations General Assembly. It was done to mark the day that the governments of 46 different countries around the world signed the “Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer” in 1987. The “Montreal Protocol” was yet another name for it.
Regarding Montreal Protocol
The goal of the Montreal Protocol, which was agreed upon on September 16, 1987, is to safeguard the ozone layer by lowering the production of compounds that contribute to ozone layer thinning. The consumption, as well as production of various ozone-depleting chemicals (ODS), are gradually reduced under the Montreal Protocol, with differing timelines for developed and poor nations.
All parties to this agreement are required to fulfil particular obligations connected to the phase-out of various ODS groups, trade regulation, yearly data reporting, national licencing frameworks for ODS import and export regulation, and other issues.
The World Ozone Day theme
The Montreal Protocol@35: global cooperation safeguarding life on earth is the focus of this year’s World Ozone Day. The topic promotes sustainable growth while also acknowledging the Montreal Protocol’s broader effects.
Significance
The day is significant because the ozone layer reduces the amount of UV radiation from the sun that reaches people by absorbing the majority of it. The ozone layer is significant because radiation can lead to cataracts, skin cancer, and other health issues.
However, other reports claim that the ozone layer thickness in the northern hemisphere has decreased by 4% a year. Man-made chlorofluorocarbons are among the major ozone layer killers (also known as CFCs).
How did Ozone day begin?
Every year on September 16, people around the world commemorate the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances depleting the Ozone Layer by celebrating World Ozone Day. This protocol was ratified on this day in 1987. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of the need to stop ozone layer thinning and encourage appropriate action.
What if the ozone layer doesn’t exist?
Be prepared for immune system impairment for life on land plus phytoplankton productivity hindrance for ocean life whether this invisible barrier is somehow removed.
Reason for Ozone depletion
ODS is the primary factor contributing to ozone depletion and the consequent formation of an ozone hole (ozone-depleting substances). ODS are synthetic substances, such as solvents, halocarbon propellants, as well as foam-blowing agents. HCFCs, Halons, as well as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are just a few instances of ODS.
When was the ozone layer depletion discovered?
It was discovered in the 1970s by scientists. And the loss is becoming worse every day. Polar regions, i.e., the area surrounding the south and north poles, have seen a particularly noticeable thinning of the ozone layer.
What is Done to Celebrate the World Ozone Day?
Numerous activities, including presentations and seminars, are held by international and national environmental groups, educators, experts, as well as activists to promote the advantages of having and safeguarding the ozone layer.
What could we do to honour it?
By engaging in activities which can reduce ozone layer thinning, like:
- Make use of your air conditioners as little as possible
- Whenever possible, keep them adequately maintained
- Utilize your freezer and refrigerator sensibly
- Reduce driving
- Verify the sustainability of the cleaning products you use
- Don’t use insecticides
- Alternate strategies to lessen air pollution
- Attempt to consume less meat
- Get Local
Conclusion
The ozone layer protects the world like a shield and is essential for maintaining its ecology. To raise awareness and encourage vigilance regarding the maintenance of the ozone layer, the UN General Assembly designated September 16 as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer 2022 in 1994. The ozone layer, also known as the ozone shield, is mostly located in the lower stratosphere of the earth and absorbs between 97% and 99.99% of the sun’s medium-frequency radiation.
