World Ozone Day 2023

World Ozone Day is celebrated on 16th September every year because on this day the Montreal Protocol was signed. It is also known as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone layer. 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. Continue Reading this blog to get more information on World Ozone Day!

Also Read: Earth Science

When is World Ozone Day Celebrated?

World Ozone Day is celebrated on the 16th of every September. This day marks the importance of signing of 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. 

• 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

Also Read: Layers of Atmosphere

World Ozone Day 2023: Theme

The theme for World Ozone Day 2023 is “Montreal Protocol: Fixing the ozone layer and reducing climate change”. 16th September is celebrated as the achievement of the Montreal Protocol. 

The theme focuses on the positive outcome of the protocol as a result of decreasing climatic changes. In addition to this, the Kigali Amendment is also acknowledged, because due to the phase-down of HFCs (Hydrochlorofluorocarbons), and enhanced efficiency of the cooling sector, the world will experience additional climate stability.

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.

Must Read: Layers of Atmosphere

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 2023: Our Green Guardians

FAQs

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!