Ozone Day
This International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is observed on16th September every year since 1995. It is celebrated to spread awareness of the depletion of the Ozone Layer and search possible solutions to preserve it. To remember the signing of the Montreal Protocol on substances that depletes the Ozone Layer United Nations General Assembly in its resolution 49/114, in 1987 choose this day.
Montreal Protocol
To join the talks and seminars people gather at Montreal on September 16th. These talks are based on the materials that participate in the Depletion of Ozone Layer. It is an international treaty planned to protect ozone layer by reducing the production of substances supposed to be responsible for ozone layer depletion. The Montreal Protocol was signed on September 16, 1987, and was implemented on January 1, 1989. It is believed that if preventive measures are adhered the ozone layer is expected to recover by 2050. The 25th anniversary of the Montreal Protocol was celebrated in the year 2012. On this day Educators teach their students about the benefits of Ozone layer and special events and activities are organized to spread awareness.
Ozone Layer
In 1957, Professor Gordon Dobson of Oxford University discovered the ozone layer. Ozone layer is present in Earth`s atmosphere (15-35km above Earth) in the lower portion of the stratosphere and has relatively high concentrations of ozone (O3). Presence of ozone is very significant for the living beings on Earth as it absorbs biologically harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation coming from the sun. Due to human activities on the planet ozone layer is getting depleted which is could be very disastrous. Ozone layer is very advantageous to the stratosphere but on the other hand it works as a pollutant if present close to the ground as it participates in the formation of photochemical smog and acid rain.
Causes of Ozone Layer Depletion
Chemicals containing chlorine and bromine are the major culprits involved in destruction of stratospheric ozone. These chemicals are called ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and have a lifetime of about 100 years
Effects of Ozone Layer Depletion
Ozone is responsible for shielding the UV rays from sun; its depletion may cause severe health hazards. On 1% depletion of ozone layer at least 2% more UV rays can reach the surface of the earth causing skin cancer, malaria, cataracts and other infectious diseases.
Ozone depletion also impacts the environment adversely by altering the life cycles of plants and disrupting the food chain. Microscopic organisms such as plankton may not survive hence animals dependent on planktons will also not survive. Depletion of ozone layer may result in change in wind pattern, leading global warming hence resulting in climatic changes all over the world.
Save the Earth
Several preventive methods are suggested to save the mother earth from this destruction.
• Use of products which has Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) such as hair sprays fresheners, cosmetics and aerosol in plastic containers should be avoided.
• Promote activities such as tree planting and backyard gardening
• Use Environmental-friendly fertilizers
• Prevent excessive smoke emission from your vehicle which causes air pollution. Save on gasoline and crude oil by regular maintenance.
• Do not burn plastics and rubber tires
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