International Day for the Protection of the Ozone Layer (16/09)

In 1994, the UN General Assembly, by its resolution (A/RES/49/114), proclaimed September 16 as International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. The date commemorates the signing of the Montreal Protocol (1987) on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and has been celebrated since 1995.

The motto of the International Day for the Protection of the Ozone Layer was the words: «Save the sky: protect yourself — protect the ozone layer».

On September 16, 1987, 36 countries, including Russia, signed a document according to which participating countries must limit and completely stop the production of ozone-depleting substances.

States are encouraged to devote this day to promoting activities in accordance with the objectives and objectives set out in the Montreal Protocol and its amendments. In addition, every year the Day is dedicated to a specific topic related to the protection of the ozone layer.

Ozone represents a very small part of our atmosphere, but its presence is of great importance for human well-being. The ozone layer, this thin gas shield, protects the Earth from the destructive effects of a certain proportion of solar radiation, thereby helping to preserve life on the planet.

Most of the ozone is high in the atmosphere, at an altitude between 10 and 40 km above the Earth's surface. This area is called the stratosphere and contains about 90% of all atmospheric ozone.

The ozone layer extends above the ground in a huge blanket that goes into space. If this layer is ever depleted, it will be dangerous for the entire biosphere, for all living things. Skin cancer, blindness and other diseases can occur from ultraviolet rays hitting a person.

In the 80s of the 20th century, scientists made a discovery: in the Antarctica region, the total ozone content decreased by 2 times. It was then that the name «ozone hole» appeared.

Ozone depletion is affected by chlorine oxide, which is a product of factories and industrial enterprises. We are unable to prevent the emergence of ozone holes. However, a person is capable of saving ozone at least at the everyday level.

Ozone depletion is affected by chlorine oxide, which is a product of factories and industrial enterprises (Photo: Astakhov Alexander, licensed by Shutterstock.com)

Therefore, phasing out the controlled use of ozone-depleting substances and the resulting reductions in such use contribute not only to the protection of the ozone layer for the benefit of current and future generations, but also make a major contribution to efforts to address climate change. Thus, the implementation of the Montreal Protocol has resulted in the phase-out of 99% of ozone-depleting chemicals in refrigerators, air conditioners and other consumables.

Efforts to protect the ozone layer have also contributed to measures to combat climate change. Thus, according to experts, thanks to these actions, from 1990 to 2010 it was possible to prevent the emission of 135 billion tons of carbon dioxide.

Thus, thanks to the Montreal Protocol, human health and ecosystems are protected by reducing the impact of harmful ultraviolet radiation on the Earth. Meanwhile, these achievements must be maintained by continuing to address any illicit sources of ozone-depleting substances as they arise. Full support is also needed for the implementation of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which entered into force on 1 January 2019. By phasing out hydrofluorocarbons, which are potential greenhouse gases, implementing this amendment will help reduce global temperature growth by 0.4 °C by the end of the century. By combining these actions with a phase-out, we will be able to bring about an improvement in the climate change area.

Let's work together to restore the ozone layer!



Postcard «September 16 — International Day for the Protection of the Ozone Layer»

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