September 16: International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

September 17, 2022

International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is observed every year on September 16.

Key points

International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is also known as World Ozone Day.
It is observed to raise awareness about the importance and need of the ozone layer.
The theme for 2022 is ‘Global Cooperation Protecting Life on Earth’.
This theme recognizes the impact of Montreal Protocol and highlights the importance of collaboration, partnership and development of global cooperation to address challenges posed by the climate change and protect life on earth for the future.

Background

September 16 was designated as the World Ozone Day in December 1994 by the UN General Assembly. This day coincides with the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in 1987. It was observed for the first time in 1995.

Significance

The World Ozone Day aims to raise awareness about the role played by ozone layer in protecting life on Earth from UV rays emitted by the Sun. It also aims to stop the use of substances that damage ozone layer and get rid of them completely.

What is Ozone Layer?

The ozone layer is a thin layer of Earth’s atmosphere that absorbs almost all of the Sun’s Ultraviolet rays. It is one of the layers of the stratosphere, the second layer of the Earth’s atmosphere. It can trap the harmful UV light, which can penetrate living organisms’ skin and damage DNA molecules in plants and animals. The ozone layer is currently getting damaged because of ozone depleting substances.

About Montreal Protocol

The Montreal Protocol is an international treaty that aims to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of various substances cause ozone depletion. It regulates the production and consumption of nearly 100 manmade chemicals. This multilateral treaty currently has nearly 200 signatories.

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