Theme-
September 16 is the world ozone day. This year’s theme is ‘Ozone for life: 35 years of ozone layer protection’. The 35 years represent the years the Vienna Convention was held and the global response to the call for protection of ozone. The day was first celebrated on September 16, 1995 and reminds the signing of the Montreal Protocol on substances that depletes the Ozone Layer.
Let us read more about World Ozone Day, its significance and some facts about Ozone.
Ozone-
Ozone is an integral component of the atmosphere and found in the stratosphere. The stratosphere increases in warmth with height as the ozone absorbs harmful UV radiations from the sun. Ozone acts as a shield for life on the Earth.
In the late 1970s, scientists discovered that the ozone layer was thinning. The main cause behind this was attributed to chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and ozone-depleting gases (ODSs). These were blatantly being used in aerosols and cooling by humans as refrigerants, air-conditioners and plastic products. This raised an alarm as scientists also pointed out the dire results of-
- increased cases of skin cancer,
- cataracts and
- damage to the plants, crops, and ecosystems.
Response to Ozone layer depletion-
The situation of ozone layer depletion was increasing particularly around the polar regions. In response to curb it globally, Vienna Convention was therefore adopted for the protection of the ozone layer. The U.N. General Assembly signed the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in 1987. Governments, scientists and industry worked together to cut 99 per cent of all ozone-depleting compounds under the Montreal Protocol to the Convention.
Montreal Protocol
- The Montreal Protocol‘s main objective is to protect the ozone layer by taking measures to control total global production and consumption of depleting substances. So, the ultimate goal is to eliminate them on the basis of-
- scientific knowledge.
- technological information developments.
- It is the landmark multilateral environmental agreement. It monitors the production and consumption of nearly 100 man-made chemicals known as ozone depleting substances (ODS). These chemicals will cause damage in the stratospheric ozone layer.
- Adopted on 15 September 1987, the Protocol is to date the only UN treaty ever that has been ratified by every country on Earth that is all the 197 UN Member States.
- The treaty evolves over time. It accepts amends and adjustments with new scientific, technical and economic developments.
Kigali Amendment
- Hydro-fluorocarbons (HFCs), act as non-ozone-depleting alternatives to help the timely phase out of CFCs and HCFCs. One can now find them in air conditioners, fridges, aerosols, foams and other products.
- There is no effect to stratospheric ozone layer by these pollutants. But with over consumption, HFC pollution acts as a threat to the efforts of slowing global temperature increase. There needs to be urgent action on HFCs to protect the climate system.
- Thus, the Kigali Amendment, which entered into force in 2019 which would work towards eliminating-
- hydro-fluorocarbon (HFCs).
- greenhouse gasses with strong climate warming potential.
- detrimental to the atmosphere in support of the Protocol.
Results
- The latest ozone depletion scientific assessment was completed in 2018. It shows that, since 2000, parts of the ozone layer have recovered at a rate of 1-3 percent per decade.
- Northern Hemisphere and mid-latitude ozone will regenerate completely by the 2030’s at estimated levels. In the 2050s the Southern Hemisphere will heal and in the Polar Regions by 2060 will follow.
- Efforts to protect the ozone layer help to combat climate change.
- So, the ozone layer is healing.
This also proves that the world can fight a major crisis through collective decisions are and scientific implementation of actions. The slogan for this year’s theme of world ozone day, ‘Ozone for Life,’ reminds us that it crucial for life on Earth. Therefore, we must continue to protect the ozone layer future generations. The World Ozone Day celebrates this achievement that has been accomplished.
Do read this article on how COVID- 19 impacted people from different backgrounds.
How you can contribute-
Often one finds themselves in the dilemma of what action to take. A few tips to contribute to the cause are as follows-
- Educate yourself about the issue and follow up with recent studies to gain more insight.
- Avoid the usage of substances that might bring harm to the ozone layer.
- Plant more trees in your surrounding and use environment-friendly fertilisers.
- Minimize use of fuel. Encourage eco-friendly modes of communication to travel like carpooling, cycling, walking if distance is near. So, come up with newer ways of reducing pollution and saving the environment.
- Avoid plastic at all costs.
- Promote local and buy local. This boosts the economy of the small businesses and also avoids too much travel.
- Repair all your malfunctioning appliances immediately. Therefore, stop the harmful substances to escape into the atmosphere.
Be it ozone layer depletion or any other environmental problem, human activities play a major role. We as humans have a duty to rectify our mistakes. Therefore, add this event of world ozone day, in your calender. This will also remind you of a duty yet to be fulfilled.
Let’s take the initiative to be better citizens of the world.
For more articles on Environment please visit Environment : Aware Earth
