World Ozone Day 2022: Key Facts, History, and Theme
Also known as International Day for Preservation of the Ozone Layer, World Ozone Day is observed on September 16 each year encouraging all nations to pay attention to environmental protection to preserve our ozone layer.
Key Facts
What is ozone?
Ozone is a gas that is naturally present in our atmosphere. It aids in preserving life on the planet by shielding the Earth and its people from the Sun’s harmful rays.
About 90% of ozone, which makes up the common term “ozone layer” can be found in the stratosphere.
The troposphere, the lowest part of the atmosphere between the Earth’s surface and the stratosphere, contains the remaining ozone (about 10%).
What causes ozone depletion?
Ozone depletion, the gradual thinning of Earth’s ozone layer, is brought on by the discharge of chemical substances containing gaseous chlorine or bromine due to industry and human activities.
How ozone depletion affects our lives?
The ozone layer filters out harmful ultraviolet radiation; thus, its depletion may cause severe health hazards.
Effects of UV rays are linked to skin cancer, accelerated skin aging, a weakened immune system, and eye burning.
Ozone depletion also harms the environment by changing plant life cycles, upsetting the food chain, decreasing agricultural productivity, and harming marine ecosystems.
History
On March 22, 1985, 28 countries adopted and signed the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, a multilateral environmental agreement that governs the production and consumption of man-made chemicals referred to as ozone-depleting substances (ODS).
It was finalized on September 16, 1987, known as the “Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the Ozone Layer”.
This was eventually implemented on January 1, 1989.
Theme
The theme for this year’s World Ozone Day is “Montreal Protocol at 35: Global Cooperation Protecting Life on Earth.”
According to the United Nations (UN), the theme recognizes the Montreal Protocol’s broader impact on climate change and the need to act collaboratively, forge partnerships, and foster international cooperation to address climate challenges and protect life on Earth for future generations.
This day serves as a reminder that we need to safeguard the ozone and look after our planet.
We need our planet and our planet needs us. Hence, let’s stand together to fight this change.
Keep in mind that our micro efforts will soon have a macro effect!
