One app for all your study abroad needs
World Ozone Day, also known as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, is celebrated every year on 16 September. It commemorates the day when the Montreal Protocol was signed. This day is celebrated to spread awareness with respect to the depletion of the ozone layer and to find solutions against the depletion of ozone. The stratosphere of the Earth is guarded by a layer of ozone that protects the Earth from the UV rays of the sun. It is nothing but a fragile sheath of gas that has the ability to absorb harmful rays of the sun and prevent them from reaching the surface. However, over the years, human activities have deteriorated the ozone layer. In this blog, you will read all about the World Ozone Day,
Table of Contents
History of World Ozone Day
- The UNGA (United Nations General Assembly), declared 16th September as World Ozone Day in December 1994
- This day has been specified to commemorate the date because in 1987 a protocol was signed i.e. Montreal Protocol on substances that have the capacity to deplete the ozone layer
- As per this protocol, there has been a phase-out of almost 99% of the harmful substances that deplete the ozone layer and create ozone holes. It generally includes chemicals used in air-conditioners and refrigerators such as chlorofluorocarbons, carbon tetrachloride, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, methyl chloroform, methyl bromide, etc.
When is World Ozone Day Celebrated?
World Ozone Day is celebrated on the 16th of every September. This day marks the importance of signing the Montreal Protocol and the aim behind it. The ozone layer serves as a protective gas covering preventing the earth’s surface from harmful radiations. Radiations from the sun can cause skin diseases and skin cancer.
Also Read: Layers of Atmosphere
World Ozone Day Theme 2024
In 2024, the official theme for World Ozone Day is, “Montreal Protocol: Advancing Climate Actions.” It emphasizes the crucial role of the Montreal Protocol in protecting the ozone layer. Similarly, in 2023, the theme was Montreal Protocol: Fixing the ozone layer and reducing climate change.
Aim of World Ozone Day
The main aim of World Ozone Day is to remind and spread awareness among the people about the preservation of the ozone layer and protect it from depletion. It is the day to spread knowledge about how we can protect the ozone layer and find effective measures to combat the damage caused by harmful substances.
World Ozone Day encourages the government and society to take preventive measures to prevent the depletion of the protective layer and reduce the climate change happening due to global warming.
Global Convention to Protect Ozone Layer
Following are some important steps taken on a global scale to prevent the depletion of the ozone layer:
- The Vienna Convention also referred to as the Convention for the Protection of the ozone layer. It was initiated and came into action in 1988. The Vienna Convention was approved at the global level in 2009.
- Montreal Protocol signed in 1987 is the multilateral agreement which states the restricted use of substances that has a high tendency to deplete the ozone layer.
- The Kigali Agreement is the recent amendment made to the Montreal Protocol that was signed by 197 countries in 2016. Its main aim is to reduce the production and usage of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HFCs) by 80-85% until 2045.
All these measures will ultimately curb global warming and help in reducing climate change.
Also Read: Concept of Sustainable Development
How to Prevent Ozone Layer Depletion
Following are some ways to decrease ozone depletion and climate change:
- Reduce Carbon footprint
- Promote the use of eco-friendly products
- Support environmental initiatives
- Educate the society
Also Read: National Forest Martyrs Day: Our Green Guardians
How to Celebrate World Ozone Layer Day?
Celebrating World Ozone Layer Day with your friends and family can spread the word about its importance in their lives. Moreover, it may also help spread the word and encourage people to take environment-friendly steps:
- Take your younger siblings or friends to tree-planting drives to contribute to climate action.
- Ask people living around your house to join you for community cleanup and promote eco-friendly waste disposal.
- Encourage the use of eco-friendly products in your household and neighbourhood. Say no to plastic and opt for jute bags, public transport, and energy-efficient appliances.
- Use your social media handles to spread the message about ozone protection.
Related Blogs
| World Environment Day | National Wildlife Day |
| Lines on Earth Day | World Earth Day |
| World Social Work Day | Lines on World Environment Day |
FAQs
A. World Ozone Day is celebrated to spread awareness and take the initiative to protect the ozone layer from depletion and reduce climate change.
A. World Ozone Day was declared in 1994 by the United Nations General Assembly on 16 September.
A. The theme for World Ozone Day 2023 is “Montreal Protocol: Fixing the ozone layer and reducing climate change”.
Let us know what steps have you taken this World Ozone Day to protect the ozone layer and contribute to reducing climate change in the comment section below. Keep reading our trending events blogs on Leverage Edu to stay informed about the news and important dates in the world of education!