International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer 16 September

"On this International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, I congratulate all who have made the Montreal Protocol such an outstanding example of international cooperation. And I urge Governments and all partners to apply the same spirit to the other great environment and development challenges of our times. Together, we can achieve the future we want."

Secretary-General's Message on the International Day
for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer
16 September 2012

 

2012 Theme: "Protecting our atmosphere for generations to come."

In 1994, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 16 September the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, commemorating the date of the signing, in 1987, of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (resolution 49/114).
States were invited to devote the Day to promote activities in accordance with the objectives of the Protocol and its amendments. The ozone layer, a fragile shield of gas, protects the Earth from the harmful portion of the rays of the sun, thus helping preserve life on the planet.
The year 2012 marks the 25th anniversary of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. The theme for this year's celebration "Protecting our atmosphere for generations to come" emphasises the extraordinary collaboration and environmental benefits achieved by the world's governments through the operation of the Montreal Protocol.
The phaseout of controlled uses of ozone depleting substances and the related reductions have not only helped protect the ozone layer for this and future generations, but have also contributed significantly to global efforts to address climate change; furthermore, it has protected human health and ecosystems by limiting the harmful ultraviolet radiation from reaching the earth.