Celebration of Ozone Day on 16 Sept 2017

The International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is celebrated on the 16th September every year by various scientific communities. Commemorating the 1987 signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, the day advocates activities that create awareness on topics related to climate change and ozone depletion.

An important layer at stratospheric height for the protection of life on the Earth, is the ozone layer, from harmful radiation from extra terrestrial origin. As such, it is paramount that we protect the ozone layer from harmful substances such as hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). HCFCs are both ozone-depleting substances and powerful greenhouse gases that contribute to the thinning of the ozone layer. The continuous enhancement of HCFCs led to the depletion of ozone layer and giving an alarming sign for the scientific and public regarding the possible hazards due to the insertion of UV-radiation from Sun.

The gradual phasing out of controlled uses of ozone-depleting substances has not only helped protect the ozone layer for this and future generations, but has also contributed significantly to global efforts to address climate change. As a result, it has protected human health and ecosystems by limiting the harmful ultraviolet radiation from reaching Earth.

International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer: World Ozone Day

“Caring for all life under the sun”

The ozone layer, a fragile shield of gas, protects the Earth from the harmful portion of the rays of the sun, thus helping preserve life on the planet. The phase out of controlled uses of ozone depleting substances and the related reductions have not only helped protect the ozone layer for this and future generations, but have also contributed significantly to global efforts to address climate change; furthermore, it has protected human health and ecosystems by limiting the harmful ultraviolet radiation from reaching the earth.

In 1994, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 16 September the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, commemorating the date of the signing, in 1987, of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. The ozone layer, a fragile shield of gas, protects the Earth from the harmful portion of the rays of the sun, thus helping preserve life on the planet.

The theme for this year's World Ozone Day to be marked on 16 September is:

“Caring for all life under the sun”

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Montreal Protocol. As part of the anniversary celebrations, the Ozone Secretariat will launch a communication campaign ahead of World Ozone Day on 16 September 2017.

The theme for this year's International Ozone Day recognizes the collective efforts of the parties to the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol towards the restoration of the ozone layer over the past three decades and the global commitment to combat climate change.

As a result of concerted international efforts, the ozone layer is healing itself and is expected to recover by the middle of this century. In addition, the Montreal Protocol has significantly contributed to the mitigation of climate change by averting the emission of more than 135 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent into the atmosphere by simply phasing out ozone-depleting substances. One needs to know about ozone depletion and its consequences because for as long as the ozone layer remains depleted, need to protect from excess UV radiation and practices "safe sun" behaviour.