World Ozone Day 2019: History, Significance and Key facts

World Ozone Day is observed on 16 September every year to spread awareness among people about the depletion of Ozone Layer and search possible solutions to preserve it. On this day people from all over the world are expected to join Montreal protocol to join the talks and seminars. Let us read more about World Ozone Day, its history, significance and some facts about Ozone Layer.

World Ozone Day

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. 

World Ozone Day 2019: Theme

The theme of World Ozone Day 2019 is '32 years and Healing'. This year's theme celebrates three decades of remarkable international cooperation to protect the Ozone Layer and the climate under the Montreal Protocol. It also reminds the people to keep up the momentum to ensure healthy people and a healthy planet. In 2018, the latest Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion was completed. This assessment shows that the parts of the Ozone Layer have recovered at a rate of 1-3% per decade since 2000. Even at the protected 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. No doubt Ozone Layer protection efforts also contribute in fighting with the climate change.

World Ozone Day: History (Montreal Protocol)

The Montreal Protocol was signed on 16 September, 1987 on substances that deplete the Ozone Layer and marks the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. United Nations General Assembly in its resolution 49/114 in 1987 choose this day. Basically, it is an international treaty planned to protect ozone layer by reducing the production of substances supposed to be responsible for ozone layer depletion. Let us tell you that Montreal Protocol was implemented on 1 January, 1989. In 2012, the 20th anniversary of Montreal protocol was celebrated. Also, on this day Educators teach their students about the benefits of Ozone layer and special events and activities are organised to spread awareness.

The Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol became the first treaties in the history of the United Nations to achieve universal ratification on 16 September, 2009.

On 15 October, 2016, at the 28th meeting of the parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone layer reached to an agreement in Kigali, Rwanda to phase-down hydrofluotocarbons (HFCs). This agreement is known as Kigali Agreement.

What is Ozone Layer?

We all know that ozone protect us from UV rays coming from the sun. In 1957, Professor Gordon Dobson of Oxford University discovered the ozone layer. Ozone is made up of three atoms of oxygen. It is highly reactive gas and is represented by O3. It occurs naturally as well as a man-made product in the Earth's upper atmosphere i.e. stratosphere and lower atmosphere i.e. troposphere. That is Ozone layer is present in Earth`s atmosphere (15-35km above Earth) in the lower portion of the stratosphere and has relatively high concentrations of ozone (O3). Naturally it is formed through the interactions of solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation with molecular oxygen O2. It reduces the harmful UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface.

But at ground level ozone is considered as a major air pollutant. We all know that ozone protect us from harmful UV radiations but ozone at ground level is dangerous and causes pollution. Due to human activities ozone layer is getting depleted on the planet which could be very disastrous. It also causes photochemical smog and acid rain.

Causes of Ozone Depletion

Main cause of depletion of Ozone layer is human activity mainly human-made chemicals that contain chlorine or bromine. These chemicals are known as ODS that is Ozone - Depleting Substances. Since early 1970's scientists observed reduction in stratospheric ozone and it was found more prominent in Polar Regions. Do you know that one molecule of chlorine has the capability to break down thousands of ozone molecules. The chief ozone depleting substances include chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), carbon tetrachloride, hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and methyl chloroform. Halons, sometimes known as brominated fluorocarbons, also contribute mightily to ozone depletion. ODS substances have a lifetime of about 100 years.

What are the effects of Ozone depletion?

Ozone is responsible for shielding the UV rays from sun; its depletion may cause severe health hazards. Ozone depletion also impacts the environment adversely by altering the life cycles of plants and disrupting the food chain. Microscopic organisms such as plankton may not survive hence animals dependent on planktons will also not be able to survive. Depletion of ozone layer may result in change in wind pattern, leading global warming hence resulting in climatic changes all over the world.

Harmful effects of UV Rays

- It causes skin cancer.

- UV rays cause skin burn.

- Over-exposure to UV radiation affects or damages immune system.

- Prolonged exposure to UV rays damages the tissues of eyes and can cause a 'burning' of the eye surface known as 'snow blindness'.

- UV rays also speeds up the aging of skin.

- Several pigments like colour used for colouring food, fabric, plastic, paint, ink, dyes etc. absorb UV and change colour.

Preventive measures to save our planet Earth

• Use of products which has Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) such as hair sprays fresheners, cosmetics and aerosol in plastic containers should be avoided.
• Promote activities such as tree planting and backyard gardening.
• Use Environmental-friendly fertilisers.
• Prevent excessive smoke emission from your vehicle which causes air pollution. Save on gasoline and crude oil by regular maintenance.
• Do not burn plastics and rubber tires.

Therefore, World Ozone Day is observed on 16 September to spread awareness about the harmful effects of Ozone depletion and ways to find out preventive measures.