World Ozone Day! “Earth without ozone is like a house without a roof.”
We might have heard much about the ozone layer and studied more about the ozone back in our school days. Even we all are educated enough to know about the impacts and consequences of ozone layer depletion. And thus, we all know that the ozone layer protects us from UV rays that are emitting from the sun.
It was discovered by Professor Gordon Dobson of Oxford University in 1957 and is made up of three atoms of oxygen. It is a highly reactive gas and is represented by O3. So, it is formed through the interactions of solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation with molecular oxygen O2. It reduces the harmful UV radiation reaching the Earth’s surface. When it comes to ground level, ozone is considered as a major air pollutant. Due to human activities, the ozone layer is getting depleted on the planet which could be very dangerous where it leads to smog and acid rain. Further, people are also aware of the causes of ozone layer depletion and its effects too.
WORLD OZONE DAY 2019: International Ozone Day is perceived on 16th September annually, since 1995. Particularly, this day reminds the signing of the Montreal Protocol on a substance that contributes to the depletion of the Ozone Layer. The Montreal Protocol was signed on 16th September 1987 on substances that contribute to the depletion of the Ozone Layer and thus, marks the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. On this day, Educators educate their students about the benefits of Ozone Layer and special events and activities are organized to spread awareness as well.
The theme of World Ozone Day 2019 is ‘32 years and Healing.’ And this year’s theme celebrates three decades of sensational international cooperation to protect the Ozone Layer and the climate under the Montreal Protocol. Additionally, it reminds the people to keep up the momentum to make sure the healthy humans and a healthy planet.
The 2018 Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion exhibits that the parts of the Ozone Layer have recovered at a rate of 1-3% per decade since 2000. Even though at its protected rates, the Northern hemisphere and mid-latitude ozone will completely heal by the 2030s. But the Southern Hemisphere will pursue in the 2050s and Polar Regions by 2060. Undoubtedly, Ozone Layer protection efforts also contribute to battling with the climatic changes.
So, we humans of Earth, know that what are the causes, effects and preventive measures to save our planet from Ozone Layer depletion. Thus, World Ozone Day is observed on September 16th annually, to spread awareness about the Ozone Layer depletion and the preventive measures to be taken before affected. Recover Ozone, Save the Planet and Live Happily!
