World Ozone Day, also known as International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, is observed every year on 16 September. This day is an opportunity to focus global attention and action on this vital environmental issue.
Everyone is acquainted with the ‘Ozone Layer’ since their student days, the shield in the Earth’s stratosphere absorbing most of the ultraviolet rays of the Sun. World Ozone Day plays a significant role in highlighting the steps to protect the ozone layer. Moreover, it spreads awareness about the importance of ozone layer and steps that should be taken to preserve it. The designation was made on December 19, 2000, in commemoration of the date, in 1987, when nations signed the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. United Nations defines ozone layer as ‘a fragile shield of gas that protects the Earth from the harmful portion of the rays of the sun, thus helping preserve life on the planet.’ The United Nations General Assembly, in 1994, declared 16 September as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer/ World Ozone Day. This day marks the signing of Montreal Protocol on Substances that deplete the Ozone Layer, in 1987. This year, the theme of World Ozone Day is ‘Montreal Protocol – keeping us, our food and vaccines cool’. According to UN’s website, this year’s World Ozone Day seeks to highlight, the Montreal Protocol does so much more – such as slowing climate change and helping to boost energy efficiency in the cooling sector, which contributes to food security.
