International Ozone Day, observed on September 16, and recognised by the United Nations, aims to raise awareness about the depletion of the ozone layer and explore ways to protect it. But what exactly is the ozone layer? The ozone layer, located in the stratosphere approximately 9-22 miles above the Earth's surface, is a critical shield against harmful ultraviolet radiation from the Sun.
This protective layer primarily safeguards life on Earth by shielding us from the adverse effects of UV-B radiation, known for causing sunburns and posing a long-term health threat to humans.
The ozone layer contains a concentrated amount of ozone, a molecule made up of three oxygen atoms (O3), making it particularly effective at absorbing UV-B radiation. By actively absorbing UV-B radiation high up in the stratosphere, the ozone layer functions as a barrier, preventing harmful levels of this radiation from reaching the Earth's surface. This makes the preservation of the ozone layer critical to human health.
History of World Ozone Day
Certain chemicals that we commonly use are damaging for the protective ozone layer in our atmosphere. These chemicals are called halocarbons, and they have elements like fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine mixed with carbon.
The ones with bromine, in particular, are super harmful to the ozone layer. The chemicals causing this problem are mostly human-made. Some of the big reasons are methyl bromide, methyl chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, as well as a group of chemicals known as halons, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).
During the 1970s, scientists realised that there was something wrong about the ozone layer. They quickly deduced that certain gases, like chlorine and bromine, were building up in the atmosphere and putting the ozone layer at risk.
In the 1980s, scientists made another startling discovery — there was a hole in the ozone layer above Antarctica. This hole was a particularly severe depletion of the ozone layer in that part of Earth's atmosphere. It was a clear sign that our natural sunscreen was in trouble.
To address this issue, back in 1994, the United Nations General Assembly declared September 16 as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. This date marks the signing of the Montreal Protocol — an important agreement to stop the use of these harmful chemicals — in 1987.
What are some ways to protect ozone depletion?
While the main use of substances harmful to the ozone layer happens in industries and businesses, individuals can also play a part by taking these actions:
Significance of World Ozone Day
World Ozone Day is meant to remind everyone about the risks linked to a shrinking ozone layer and for encouraging creative ideas to safeguard it. It's also a celebration of one of the most effective worldwide efforts to protect our environment. It shows how countries from all over the world could come together to make a real difference in preserving the ozone layer.
