The theme for the World Ozone Day 2019, to be marked on 16
September, is:
32 Years and Healing
The theme for this year celebrates over three decades of
remarkable international cooperation to protect the ozone layer and the climate
under the Montreal Protocol. It reminds us that we must keep up the momentum to
ensure healthy people and a healthy planet.
The Montreal Protocol has led to the phase-out of 99 per cent of
ozone-depleting chemicals in refrigerators, air-conditioners and many other
products.
The latest Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion completed
in 2018, shows that, as a result, parts of the ozone layer have recovered at a
rate of 1-3% per decade since 2000. At projected rates, Northern Hemisphere and
mid-latitude ozone will heal completely by the 2030s. The Southern Hemisphere
will follow in the 2050s and Polar Regions by 2060. Ozone layer protection
efforts have also contributed to the fight against climate change by averting
an estimated 135 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, from
1990 to 2010.
On this World Ozone Day, we can celebrate our success. But we
must all push to keep hold of these gains, in particular by remaining vigilant
and tackling any illegal sources of ozone-depleting substances as they arise.
We must also wholeheartedly support the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal
Protocol, which entered into force on 1 January 2019. By phasing down
hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are potent climate-warming gases, this amendment
can avoid up to 0.4°C of global temperature rise by the end of the century,
while continuing to protect the ozone layer. And by combining action to
phase-down HFCs with energy efficiency improvements in the cooling industry, we
can achieve bigger climate benefits.
Let’s keep on working and healing together!
Since 1995, International Ozone Day is
observed on 16 September annually. This day reminds the
signing of the Montreal Protocol on substances that depletes the Ozone
Layer. The theme of World Ozone Day 2019 is '32 years and
Healing'.
What is meant by World Ozone Day?
In 1994, the United Nations 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).
Is ozone a secondary pollutant?
Ground-level ozone is a colorless and highly irritating
gas that forms just above the earth's surface. It is called a "secondary" pollutant because
it is produced when two primary pollutants react in sunlight
and stagnant air. These two primary pollutants are nitrogen
oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs
What is an ozone generator?
by Nick Gromicko. Ozone generators intentionally
produce the toxic gas ozone and are sold as air cleaners for
commercial and residential applications. Specifically, they are advertised to
deodorize, disinfect, kill or remove dangerous or irritating airborne particles
in indoor environments.
How many countries signed the Montreal Protocol?
197 countries
The Montreal Protocol is signed by 197 countries – the
first treaty in the history of the United Nations to achieve universal
ratification – and is considered by many the most successful environmental
global action
How is ozone layer destroyed?
Ozone Depletion. When chlorine and bromine atoms come into contact
with ozone in the stratosphere, they destroy ozone molecules.
One chlorine atom can destroy over 100,000 ozone molecules
before it is removed from the stratosphere. Ozone can be destroyed more
quickly than it is naturally created
What ozone level is dangerous?
Breathing ozone can trigger a variety of health
problems including chest pain, coughing, throat irritation, and airway
inflammation. It also can reduce lung function and harm lung tissue. Ozone can
worsen bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma , leading to increased medical care .
Learn more about health effects.
Is ozone good or bad for humans?
This ozone forms the ozone layer,
which shields everything on the planet's surface from the sun's harmful ultraviolet
rays. But when ozone forms at the surface (when pollution from
cars reacts with UV rays), it is a pollutant itself, and can damage forests,
crops and can irritate human lungs.
Why is tropospheric ozone bad?
About 90% of total ozone in the atmosphere is in the
stratosphere, and 10% is in the troposphere. Although tropospheric
ozone is less concentrated than stratospheric ozone, it is
of concern because of its health effects. Ozone in the troposphere is
considered a greenhouse gas, and may contribute to global warming.
How long does ozone last?
In practice the half life is usually less than 30 minutes due to
temperature, dust, and other contaminants in the air. Therefore, ozone,
while very powerful, doesn't last long. It does its
job and then disappears back into safe oxygen.
Who banned CFCs?
On 2 March 1989, 12 European Community nations agreed to ban the
production of all CFCs by the end of the century.
Is ozone water safe to drink?
To increase the effectiveness and safety of ozone treatment, ozone may
be dissolved in water. ... Therefore, ozonated water is
not widely used. Ozonated water has been shown to possess
antibacterial effects (20,21).
Can the ozone layer rebuild itself?
Ozone: The Earth's protective shield is repairing. The ozone layer,
which protects us from ultraviolet light, looks to be successfully healing
after gaping holes were discovered in the 1980s. The Northern Hemisphere could be
fully fixed by the 2030s and Antarctica by the 2060s
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