On September 16 each year, World Ozone Day, also known as International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, is observed. The observation's mission is to raise public awareness of the deterioration of the ozone layer and investigate potential means of preserving it.
World Ozone Day is celebrated on September 16 to commemorate the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in 1987. Today, we mark 35 years of the Montreal Protocol's success in protecting the ozone layer from substances that deplete the ozone layer and gases that cause global warming and climate change.
World Ozone Day: World Ozone Day is also known as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer and is observed annually on September 16. In 1994, the United Nations General Assembly designated the date to commemorate the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in 1987. The beginning of the ozone layer's depletion led to the need to take action to preserve it. The ozone layer's hole was seen to close in 2017 30 years after the Montreal Protocol, and the effects are expected to last up to 100 years.
This year's World Ozone Day has as its theme "Global Cooperation to Protect Life on Earth." The theme aims to acknowledge the impact of the Montreal Protocol on climate change and the immediate need for partnerships and collaboration to safeguard the planet for future generations.
The theme for this year is in line with what we do every day at A-Gas, which is to protect and improve the environment by effectively managing the lifecycle of halocarbons in order to build a sustainable future. This is a goal that we can't accomplish on our own, but as our tagline and this year's World Ozone Day theme say, "We Can."
The United Nations General Assembly established the September 16 International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. On December 19, 2000, this designation was made in honor of the date that nations signed the Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer in 1987.
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) established September 16 as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer in December 1994.
This was done to mark the date that the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer was signed in 1987.
The United Nations claims that the Montreal Protocol has resulted in the elimination of 99 percent of ozone-depleting chemicals from refrigerators, air conditioners, and a wide variety of other goods.
From 1990 to 2010, efforts to protect the ozone layer prevented an estimated 135 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, which contributed to the fight against climate change.
Since 2000, a portion of the ozone layer has recovered at a rate of one to three percent per decade, and by 2050, it is anticipated that it will be back where it was before 1980.
World Ozone Day 2020 used the slogan "Ozone for life" as its slogan. The slogan points out that the ozone layer is essential to life on Earth and that the world must continue to protect it for future generations.
World Ozone Day will be held in 2020 to commemorate 35 years of ozone layer protection. The Vienna Convention has been in effect for 35 years.
Conventions on the Protection of Ozone Layers on a Global Scale The Vienna Convention—also known as the Convention on the Protection of the Ozone Layer—went into effect in 1988 and was ratified by all nations by 2009. It prompted the international community to set up a mechanism for working together to protect the ozone layer. The Vienna Convention provided the framework for the Montreal Protocol, which was a set of regulations. A significant multilateral agreement on substances that deplete the ozone layer is the Montreal Protocol. Regulating ozone-depleting substances (ODSs) production, consumption, and emissions is its goal. The Protocol's parties meet once a year to make decisions that will ensure the agreement's successful implementation. These incorporate changing or revising the Convention, which has been completed multiple times since its creation. Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) should be phased out in 2016 according to the most recent amendment, the Kigali Amendment. The Kigali Agreement is the eighth modification to the Montreal Protocol. The agreement for this amendment was signed by 197 member nations. The signing nations are expected to reduce their use and production of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by 80-85% from their baseline levels by 2045, according to the amendment. By the year 2100, this will stop global warming by limiting the average temperature rise to 0.5 degrees Celsius.
The ozone layer is a region of the earth's stratosphere that absorbs the majority of the sun's ultraviolet light and is the origin of World Ozone Day. Although it is relatively insignificant in comparison to other gases in the stratosphere, it has a higher ozone concentration than other parts of the atmosphere. It is mostly found in the lower stratosphere, between 10 and 22 miles above the earth, depending on the season and geography.
The ozone layer was discovered by French physicists Charles Fabry and Henri Buisson in 1913. There was no radiation below a wavelength of approximately 310 nanometers at the ultraviolet end of the spectrum, despite measurements of the sun showing that the radiation that is released from its surface to the ground on Earth typically matches the spectrum of a black body with extremely high temperatures. The scientists concluded as a result that something in the atmosphere was absorbing the ultraviolet radiation that was missing. The missing radiation's spectrum was eventually linked to only one known chemical, ozone, after several scientific tests.
British meteorologist G. M. B. Dobson conducted extensive research on the properties of this chemical and developed a straightforward spectrophotometer for measuring ground-level stratospheric ozone. In 1930, British physicist Sydney Chapman discovered the photochemical mechanisms that create the ozone layer. Ordinary oxygen molecules are broken up into individual oxygen atoms when two oxygen atoms are struck by ultraviolet light in the stratosphere. The atomic oxygen then combines with unbroken oxygen to form ozone.
Important dates for World Ozone Day include the discovery of the ozone layer in 1913 by French physicists Charles Fabry and Henri Buisson.
1929 The Ozone Maximum Altitude Is Determined A British meteorologist creates a spectrophotometer that allows for the determination of the ozone's maximum altitude.
1930: The Ozone Layer's Formation Mechanism Sydney Chapman identifies the ozone layer's formation mechanism.
The Montreal Protocol is signed in 1987. The Montreal Protocol is the foundation of World Ozone Day.
Some FAQs for World Ozone Day: What is Ozone Day's slogan? Ozone for life is the slogan for World Ozone Day.
How can the ozone layer be safeguarded? The first step is to avoid using gases that harm the ozone layer.
Is ozone capable of self-repair? Yes, but only if we reduce atmospheric emissions of harmful gases.
How Can World Ozone Day Be Celebrated? Conduct research on the depletion of the ozone layer It is not harmful to be deliberate when learning more about the depletion of the ozone layer. Learn about the effects of ozone layer depletion on our climate and World Ozone Day.
Spread the word about this crucial issue The more people who are aware of the dangers of ozone layer depletion, the better our chances of stopping it are. Therefore, proceed to spread the word.
Contribute your opinion to the online discussion. Share information on your social media accounts using the hashtag #WorldOzoneDay to lend your voice to the cause.
1) How the word "ozone" came to be: The Greek verb "Ozein," which means "to smell," is the source of the word "ozone." This is one of the most important facts about the ozone layer.
2) It smells like a pale blue gas: Ozone chemical is a blue gas with a strong smell, and it is possible to smell it in the air.
3) It is harmful when too close to the earth: Humans can suffer from chest pain and difficulty breathing from ground-level ozone.
4) The chemical makeup of an ozone molecule: An ozone molecule can have up to three oxygen atoms in it.
5) Its depletion contributes to global warming: The ozone layer's depletion is the primary cause of current global warming and the most pressing concern regarding climate change.
What is the purpose of World Ozone Day? World Ozone Day gives us a chance to really study and think about the ozone layer and raises awareness of it. We no longer have the option of ignoring this issue.
It provides an opportunity for green innovations World Ozone Day provides individuals and nations with the opportunity to develop green energy innovations. The ozone layer will be less depleted if green energy is used more.
World Ozone Day provides us with an opportunity to learn about the ways in which we can all contribute to the preservation of our planet. It helps a cause that is bigger than any one person and affects everyone.
Are you aware? India celebrated the 28th World Ozone Day recently.
Why on the news?
To commemorate the signing of the Montreal Protocol, September 16 is designated as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer (World Ozone Day).
World Ozone Day 2022's theme is "Montreal Protocol@35: global cooperation safeguards earthly life."
What were World Ozone Day's major highlights?
The Montreal Protocol's 23rd edition: The movie "India's Success Story" came out.
Other publications from the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change's Ozone Cell that were made public at the event include an Action Plan for implementing the recommendations of the India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP) for the thematic area space cooling in buildings.
iStudy Report on Public Procurement Policies for Non-Ozone Depleting Substance (ODS)-Based Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning (RAC) Equipment
Report from a study on the Indian cold chain industry's promotion of low-GWP and non-ODS refrigerants.
Booklet on how to maintain room air conditioners in a way that saves energy.
The winners of a national competition for schoolchildren to create posters and slogans about "Save Our Ozone Layer" were announced.
Call for the use of Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE), which is in line with the idea of living a sustainable life and encourages us to use resources in a thoughtful way rather than impulsively.
Collaboration with eight Indian Institutes of Technology—Bombay, Roorkee, Hyderabad, Kanpur, Guwahati, Banaras, Madras, and Delhi—to encourage the development of blends and other chemicals with a low potential to cause global warming. These can be utilized in place of substances that are prohibited by the Montreal Protocol.
Additionally, it will assist in promoting the government's Make in India initiative.
What is ICAP, or the India Cooling Action Plan?
About:
The Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change announced the launch of the Indian Cooling Action Plan (ICAP) in March 2019.
The ICAP gives a 20-year point of view and blueprints activities expected to give admittance to economical cooling.
The strategy aims to:
Lessen cooling interest across areas by 20% to 25% by 2037-38
Lessen refrigerant interest by 25% to 30% by 2037-38
Decrease cooling energy prerequisites by 25% to 40% by 2037-38
Perceive "cooling and related regions" as a push area of exploration under Public Science and Innovation Program
Preparing and affirmation of 100,000 overhauling area professionals by 2022-23, synergizing with Ability India Mission.
Significance:
During the implementation of the Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) phase-out under the Kigali Amendment, the actions that emerge from ICAP will complement efforts to adopt climate-friendly alternatives and promote energy efficiency.
Through the "Panchamrits" pledged by India's Prime Minister at the 26th Climate Change Conference of Parties (CoP26) in 2021, this will significantly contribute to India's climate action to achieve net zero emissions by 2070.
The Montreal Protocol: What is it?
A global agreement to stop the production of substances that deplete ozone is known as the Montreal Protocol.
The Protocol, which was ratified on September 16, 1987, is the only UN treaty that has been ratified by every nation on Earth—all UN Member States.
It has resulted in the elimination of 99 percent of chemicals that deplete the ozone layer from refrigerators, air conditioners, and many other products.
Since June 1992, India has been a party to the Montreal Protocol.
What are India's accomplishments in putting the Montreal Protocol into action?
In accordance with the Montreal Protocol schedule, India phased out chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), carbon tetrachloride, halons, methyl bromide, and methyl chloroform for controlled uses on January 1, 2010.
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are currently being phased out in accordance with the Montreal Protocol's accelerated schedule.
From 2012 to 2016, the Hydrochlorofluorocarbons Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP) Stage-I was successfully implemented.
Since 2017, HPMP Stage-II has been implemented, and it will be finished by 2023.
From 2023 to 2030, HPMP Stage-III, the final HPMP to eliminate remaining HCFCs, will be implemented.
By the 1st of January 2025, all manufacturing sectors, including the refrigeration and air conditioning manufacturing sectors, will have eliminated HCFCs. In the servicing sector, activities will continue until 2030.
What is the ozone layer?
The special form of oxygen known as ozone has the chemical formula O3. O2 is the oxygen that we breathe and is so essential to life on Earth.
Between 10 and 40 kilometers above Earth's surface, in the stratosphere (upper atmosphere), where it forms a protective layer that protects us from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays, about 90% of ozone naturally occurs.
Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS), which include CFCs, HCFCs, halons, methyl bromide, carbon tetrachloride, and methyl chloroform, are gradually destroying this "good" ozone.
Ozone molecules are destroyed when chlorine and bromine atoms in the stratosphere come into contact with it.
Before being removed from the stratosphere, a single chlorine atom has the ability to eliminate over 100,000 ozone molecules.
Ozone can be depleted more rapidly than it is produced naturally.
Human cases of skin cancer and cataracts rise as a result of ozone layer depletion.
How is the ozone layer being affected by wildfires?
According to the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), rising global temperatures and drier conditions are resulting in worldwide outbreaks of massive wildfires that are frequent and widespread.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) predicts that by 2050, the frequency of extreme wildfires will likely increase by 30%.
These things could undo the efforts made for 35 years under the Montreal Protocol.
A vicious cycle could also be started by wildfires. They have discovered that weakening of the ozone layer makes the southern polar vortex, which is a region of cool, low-pressure air above the South Pole, stronger.
It starts a loop of feedback: the more grounded the polar vortex, the more it drains the encompassing ozone and the more it keeps the opening open.
Australia's forest fires continued from June 2019 to March 2020, releasing over 1 million tons of smoke into the stratosphere, affecting the ozone layer and causing the Ozone Hole to widen.
They destroyed more than 33 million hectares, killed or displaced 3 billion animals, and damaged property, making them the nation's worst natural disaster.
Some of the most frequently asked questions include: Why is Ozone Day celebrated? In recognition of the date on which the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was signed in 1987, the United Nations General Assembly designated September 16 as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer in 1994 (resolution 49/114).
What is Ozone Day's slogan? The current catchphrase, "Ozone for life," serves as a reminder that not only is the ozone layer essential for all life on Earth, but that we must also continue to preserve it for future generations.
What is Ozone Day's theme?
"Global Cooperation to Protect Life on Earth" is the theme for World Ozone Day 2022. The United Nations' announcement of World Ozone Day's theme emphasizes the necessity of collective efforts to safeguard life on Earth.
Why is ozone so significant? The stratospheric ozone layer blocks some of the sun's rays from reaching Earth's surface by absorbing some of it. Most importantly, it takes in ultraviolet B (UVB) light. UVB is a harmful type of ultraviolet light that comes from the sun and sunlamps.
Who discovered the ozone layer?
Discovery: "Unanticipated and large decreases in stratospheric ozone levels over the Antarctic stations of Halley and Faraday," according to the British Antarctic Survey's Brian Gardiner, Joe Farman, and Jonathan Shanklin, were presented to the world on May 16, 1985.
Why is ozone known as the Earth's umbrella? Because it blocks harmful, high-energy ultraviolet radiation from the sun, the ozone layer is referred to as an umbrella or shield.
The Ozone Hole: What is It?
The "ozone hole" is really not a hole at all. it alludes to a locale in the stratosphere where the centralization of ozone turns out to be very low in specific months.
Through human activities, chemicals with chlorine and bromine atoms are released into the atmosphere. These chemicals react in the ozone layer with certain weather conditions to cause reactions that destroy ozone molecules.
The reductions over Antarctica, which occur annually in the months of September, October, and November as a result of a unique set of meteorological and chemical conditions at the South Pole, are the ozone holes that receive the most attention.
The North Pole also has holes of this kind, but because of the warmer temperatures than the South Pole, these holes are much smaller.
How does ozone work?
Ozone, which is made up of three oxygen atoms, can be found both at ground level and in the stratosphere, the Earth's upper atmosphere. Depending on where it is found, it can be good or bad.
The layer closest to the ground, the troposphere, contains bad ozone. It forms when sunlight alters a variety of chemicals released by humans, including those released by automobiles, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, chemical plants, and other sources.
In the stratosphere, good ozone forms to protect us from sunburn and skin cancer-causing ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ): Q. Which of the following is connected to the problem of controlling and gradually eliminating the use of ozone depleting substances? 2015) (a) Bretton Woods Conference (b) Kyoto Protocol (c) Montreal Protocol (d) Nagoya Protocol
Ans:- b (source:- A/c to drishti)
Credit and sources:- Minorstudy team and respective owners.
