A day for preservation of the ozone layer

Rupak G Duarah

The Ozone layer is a part of the atmosphere which is located 9 to 18 miles above the Earth's surface. This layer plays a major role in protecting our health and the environment by absorbing almost all harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. UV light such as UVB and UVA are harmful to us because they cause skin cancer, melanoma, premature ageing, weakened immune systems, eye problems etc. But it is a matter of great concern that the ozone layer which is the protector of UV rays of the sun is getting thinner day by day due to chemicals called chlorofluorocarbons (CFC). The CFC is a molecule which contains the elements of carbon, chlorine and fluorine. Such CFCs are available in the world, mostly in refrigerants and plastic products.

Ozone molecules are simply made of three joined oxygen atoms and they are always being destroyed and reformed naturally. But CFCs in the air make it very difficult for ozone to reform once it's broken apart. As such, the ozone layer is getting thinner and thinner almost every day and becomes a threat to living beings since the depleting ozone layer offers less protection from the harmful UV rays and both humans and animals are affected by UV radiation. Even the environment is also impacted by the UV rays which inhibit the growth process of plants. As such, certain species of plants become extinct from the earth's surface.

In this regard, to spread awareness among people about the importance of the ozone layer, September 16 of every year is observed globally as an 'International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. The Day is proclaimed by the UN General Assembly on December 19, 1994. This International Day commemorates the signing of the Montreal Protocol on 'Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. The Montreal Protocol was an important monumental event which took place on September 16, 1987, for realizing the importance of discontinuing the use of ozone-depleting substances.

Scientists and researchers say that ozone depletion can be reversible if the common people know the importance of the Ozone Layer and show their awareness of protecting it. To make everyone more conscious about it, numerous environmental groups of the world promote awareness programmes in society on this day. Moreover, the Day remembers our roles and responsibilities in protecting the ozone layer. Around the world on this Day, different organizations, educational institutions etc., promote ozone-friendly products, distribute public awareness posters, banners or arrange meetings, seminars etc., among people to make everyone aware of it and to save the ozone layer from depletion.