Importance
of this day
The ozone layer, known as an ozone shield, is a layer in Earth's atmosphere
(part of the stratosphere), which absorbs most of the Sun's UV radiation. The
ozone layer absorbs 97–99% of the Sun's medium-frequency ultraviolet light,
which would otherwise damage exposed life forms on Earth. It contains high
concentration of trioxygen (commonly known as ozone) (UNEP). Consequently, it
aids in preserving life on the planet.
But the ozone layer is depleted by various
substances (including aerosols, sterilants and carbon tetrachloride; foams;
halons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)) and the
concentrations thereof are increasing due to human activities. UNEP notes that “ozone depletion describes two
distinct but related phenomena: a steady decline of about 4% per decade in the
total volume of ozone in Earth's stratosphere, and a much larger springtime
decrease in stratospheric ozone over Earth's polar regions, known as the ozone
hole”. UNEP further notes that “a variety
of biological consequences such as increases in skin cancer, cataracts, damage
to plants, and reduction of plankton populations in the ocean's photic zone may
result from the increased UV exposure due to ozone depletion”.
The depletion of the ozone layer was
scientifically confirmed which prompted the international community to
encourage proactive action to protect the ozone layer. The day specifically entails promoting the different
activities in accordance with the objectives of the Protocol and its
amendments. It advocates activities that create awareness on climate change and
ozone depletion topics and the depletion of the Ozone Layer. Moreover, it is
about searching for solutions to adequately preserve it. This day is globally
celebrated by community groups, individuals, and local organizations by promoting
ozone-friendly products, implementing programs on saving the ozone layer, and distributing
the UNEP's public awareness posters. On this day educators teach their students
about the Ozone layer and promotional items, such as, images of the Sun, sky,
or earth's natural environment to represent the ozone's importance in
protecting the environment, are used.
Theme
Last year’s theme, marking the 30th
anniversary of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, was
“30 years of healing the ozone together”, with the slogan, “Ozone: All there is
between you and UV”. It was an important
milestone with regards to protecting the ozone layer. 
Montreal Protocol
Since the ozone layer prevents most harmful UVB wavelengths of UV light from passing through the Earth's atmosphere, observed and projected decreases in ozone have generated worldwide concern. Thus, ozone depletion has become an urgent issue. As a result of this, the Montreal Protocol was initiated.
Its aim is to protect the ozone shield by
reducing the use and production of ozone depleting substances, including CFCs, halons,
and other ozone-depleting chemicals such as carbon tetrachloride and
trichloroethane. It is done by taking measures, on the basis of developments in
scientific knowledge and technological information, to control the total global
production and consumption of substances that deplete it (United Nations).
The phasing out of controlled uses of
ozone depleting substances and the related reductions in both the developed and
developing countries, have made a significant impact to help protect the ozone
layer not only for the current generations but also for future generations. It
has unequivocally contributed to global efforts to limit the harmful
ultraviolet radiation from reaching the earth, thereby protecting human health
as well as ecosystems. It 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. Reducing HFCs can avoid 0.5°C of
global warming by the end of the century, while continuing to protect the ozone
layer (United Nations).
It is of utmost
importance that we protect the ozone layer from harmful substances and you, as
an individual, can assist in doing so!
References
https://anydayguide.com/calendar/215