International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, also known as World Ozone Day, is celebrated on September 16 each year. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1994 to commemorate the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer on September 16, 1987.
The ozone layer is a region of Earth's stratosphere that absorbs most of the Sun's ultraviolet radiation. It contains high concentrations of ozone (O3) relative to other parts of the atmosphere, although still small in relation to other gases in the stratosphere. The ozone layer contains less than 10 parts per million of ozone, while the average ozone concentration in Earth's atmosphere as a whole is about 0.3 parts per million. The ozone layer contains less than 10 parts per million of ozone, while the average ozone concentration in Earth's atmosphere as a whole is about 0.3 parts per million.
The ozone layer is important because it protects life on Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Ultraviolet radiation can cause skin cancer, cataracts, and immune system suppression in humans and animals. It can also damage plants and crops.
In the 1980s, scientists discovered that the ozone layer was being depleted by ozone-depleting substances such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). were used in a variety of products, including refrigerators, air conditioners, and aerosol sprays.
The Montreal Protocol was an international agreement to phase out the production and use of . It has been one of the most successful environmental agreements in history. As a result of the Montreal Protocol, the ozone layer is healing and is expected to return to pre-1980 levels by mid-century.
International Ozone Day is an opportunity to celebrate the success of the Montreal Protocol and to raise awareness of the importance of protecting the ozone layer. It is also a reminder that we need to take action to address other environmental challenges, such as climate change.
Here are some ways to celebrate International Ozone Day:
Learn about the ozone layer and its importance.
Share information about the ozone layer with your friends and family.
Reduce your use of products that contain
Support businesses and organizations that are working to protect the environment.
Contact your elected officials and urge them to support policies that protect the ozone layer and address climate change.