It’s International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, which we also call World Ozone Day 2024.
Ozone is a layer of Oxygen(O3) molecules in the stratosphere that protects us from harmful sun rays. It gets depleted by some chemical elements that are usually the consequence of human intervention. Hence, it becomes our obligation to conserve the layer so that we stay protected from harmful rays. World Ozone Day is a day dedicated to planning, formulating, and enacting toward preserving the Ozone layer.
Table of Contents
Date
World Ozone Day 2024 is on 16 September.
Theme
The theme for World Ozone Day 2024 is “Ozone for Life“.
The theme for World Ozone Day 2023 was “Montreal Protocol: fixing the ozone layer and reducing climate change“.
Significance and History
The history of celebrating World Ozone Day dates back to 19 December 1994. The United Nations General Assembly declared 16 September as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.
The significance of ozone layer prevention is much greater than that of many other smaller issues around the world. The layer prevents harmful UV rays and indirectly prohibits global warming. This can be a huge problem and difficult to tackle. Hence Ozone layer is highly significant in the well-being of the planet Earth.
Facts about Ozone
- What is the Ozone layer? – The ozone layer is the naturally occurring layer of highly reactive O3 molecules in the stratosphere that protects us from potentially harmful ultraviolet radiation(UV-B and UV-C) emitted by the sun.
- Causes—Ozone-depleting substances (ODS) such as Chlorine and Bromine are the prime cause of ozone layer depletion. Human activities form Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which deplete the ozone layer.
- Effects—Ozone layer depletion allows UV rays from the sun to enter the earth’s surface. These rays cause global warming and make it hard for living organisms to survive. They also hinder the natural cycles and cause cancer, skin ailments, etc.
- Prevention – To prevent the degradation of ozone, we must reduce the use of CFCs, reduce air pollutants, and plant trees.
- Ozone is a highly reactive gas that makes the ozone shield.
- A single molecule of chlorine can break down thousands of ozone molecules.
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Ozone Day reminds us that we must all do our share to save the ozone layer for our own sake and the sake of future generations.
