World Ozone Day 2018: “Keep Cool and Carry On”

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Bhubaneswar: With an aim to spread awareness regarding the depletion of ozone layer and devising a solution for its preservation, ‘World Ozone Day’ is celebrated all over the world on September 16.

In 1994, the United Nations General Assembly had proclaimed 16th September as International Day for the preservation of the Ozone layer to commemorate the day of signing the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the Ozone layer that was signed in 1987. The first World Ozone Day was celebrated in the year 1995.

Every year on September 16, the International community celebrates World Ozone Day for better protection and preservation of the depleting ozone layer. The ozone layer is located roughly 15 to 35 km above the Earth’s surface and contains a high concentration of ozone molecules.

The ozone is quite rare compared to other gases. This is because it protects the earth from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. In other words, it acts like a sunscreen to the earth. The theme of World Ozone Day 2018 is “Keep Cool and Carry On”.

Pic Credit- Conserve Energy Future

During the United Nations’ Vienna convention for the Montreal Protocol, the General Assembly declared September 16 as the World Ozone day in order to pre-signify the world of the depleting ozone layer. The principle aim is to protect the Ozone layer by taking the measures to control total global production and consumption of substances that deplete it.

Pic Credit- Union of Concerned Scientists

The Protocol mainly lists several groups of Ozone depleting substances. In order to stop the depletion of Ozone layer, the production as well as usage of 100 such chemicals need to be controlled.

After the signing of the Montreal Protocol, over 190 countries banned chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) – a major depletory agent which was used in refrigeration. The Montreal Protocol also signified less usage of those substances that adversely impact the ozone layer.

On this day, school educators across the globe organize classroom activities that focus on topics related to the ozone layer, climate change and ozone depletion. Different community groups, individuals, schools and local organizations across the world organise activities which include promotion of ozone-friendly products, special programs and events on saving the ozone layer, distribution of the UNEP’s public awareness posters and leaflets besides distribution of awards to individuals who had done exemplary work towards the protection of Earth’s ozone layer.

Also Read: Engineer’s Day: Remembering M. Visvesvaraya On His 158th Birth Anniversary

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