World Ozone Day, is observed every year on September 16 and it is also known as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer and it is a UN recognized event.
The date was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1994, commemorating the date in 1987 when nations signed the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.
By now we all must have been aware of the that ozone layer is so important for our earth as it works as a blanket for us from getting the harmful radiating UV rays from the sun. But what the world actually doing or plans to do regarding this issue is discussed on this day.
| Event | World Ozone Day |
|---|---|
| Date | September 16, 2022 |
| Day | Friday |
| Significance | The day honors the 1987 Montreal Protocol and raises public awareness about the ozone layer |
| Observed by | World wide |
World Ozone Day History:
It was French physicists Charles Fabry and Henri Buisson who first discovered the ozone layer in 1913. During that time the measurements of the sun had shown that the radiation released from its surface to the ground on earth is usually consistent with a spectrum of a black body having extreme high temperatures, but there was no radiation below a wavelength measuring about 310 nanometers at the ultraviolet end of the spectrum.
This led the scientists to believe that the missing radiation at the ultraviolet end of the spectrum was being absorbed by something in the atmosphere. And this made the scientists very curious and they began researching more about it and they came to the conclusion it is a chemical layer which is absorbing it and they called it ozone.
Then in 1929, the properties of this chemical were explored extensively by British meteorologist G. M. B. Dobson, who developed a simple spectrophotometer with which stratospheric ozone from the ground could be measured and this step was very important. Next year only the photochemical mechanisms from which the ozone layer is formed were discovered by the British physicist Sydney Chapman in 1930.
In 1994, UNGA (United Nations General Assembly) declared 16th of September as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. However, the Montreal Protocol for this was signed in 1987 and attempts to provide an official stamp of importance to the contract were made in 1995. This protocol aimed at reducing the usage of Ozone depleting chemicals and so it was ratified by all 197 members of the UN.
World Ozone Day Significance:
The ozone layer is a stratospheric layer that has guarded our earth against the harmful side effects of ultraviolet radiation from the sun. The harmful UV rays are effectively shielded due to the Ozone in the atmosphere. Hence ozone layer is very crucial for our environment.
And if the ozone layer gets depleted completely from our planet then it will have very serious consequences on our life and on the environment of our planet. The lifecycle of plants will be disturbed, and the food chain is disrupted. It does not let even the microscopic organisms such as Plankton survive and animals that consume these planktons may also perish alongside. There will be a perceivable change in wind pattern and global warming which may cause climatic changes as well.
If we get in direct contact of UV Ray's then the side effects of radiation can include everything such as cancer, snow blindness, skin ageing and cataract and other afflictions. Every year, we experience high surge of heat waves and high temperatures that are recorded across whole world now just now we have seen huge heatwaves occurring in Europe like never before.
Chemicals like chlorine and bromine atoms that are released into the atmosphere due to various human activities are very much responsible for the depletion of Ozone layer. Fortunately, this hole is finally sealed due to consistent efforts to phase out the Ozone depleting substances under the Montreal Protocol. As in 2018, the Ozone depletion factor was assessed, and it showed a remarkable improvement in the status of Ozone health. Climate changes are also reversed to a certain extent because of the ongoing efforts.
World Ozone Day Celebrations:
Implementation of the Montreal Protocol progressed well in developed and developing countries. All phase-out schedules were adhered to in most cases, some even ahead of schedule. Attention focused initially on chemicals with higher ozone-depletion potentials including CFCs and halons. The phase-out schedule for HCFCs was more relaxed due to their lower ozone-depletion potentials and because they have also been used as transitional substitutes for CFCs.
So on this day the UN monitors the progress that have been made by respective countries and if they find any country lacking in achieving it then they try to purge them to focus on it as it is very important for our planet and also gives countries various suggestions on how to achieve it if they are finding it difficult to do.
It is not just authorities but it's the people responsibility also to endure that they keep raising their voice regarding these issues in front of their governments so that the progress can be done as it is very vital for the future of our planet and hence various awareness campaigns and events are also organized on this day to make people aware about this important issue through this day.
In many countries various schools ahd educational institutions also organizes various events regarding it like short campaigns, special events, competitions, and essay writing activities. As students are the future of our world so it is very necessary that we educate them about this issue now only.
World Ozone Day Theme:
The theme for this year's World Ozone Day or International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is "Montreal Protocol@35: global cooperation protecting life on earth."
The theme recognises the wider impact the Montreal Protocol has on climate change and the need to act in collaboration, forge partnerships and develop global cooperation to address climate challenges and protect life on earth for future generations.
So in one way it appreciates the efforts done by whole world in saving ozone but still warns them that is still not enough and a United effort is required worldwide to ensure the safety of our ozone layer and our world.
Most Searched FAQs on World Ozone Day:
1. When is World Ozone Day is celebrated?
World Ozone Day is celebrated annually on 16th September.
2. What is the slogan for Ozone Day?
The slogan for World Ozone Day is ‘ozone for life.’
3. Can ozone layer repair itself?
Yes, but only if we reduce the emission of harmful gases into the atmosphere.