World Ozone Day 2020: “Ozone for Life: 35 Years of Ozone Layer Protection”

Today we are celebrating 36^th World Ozone Day. Let us know the details about Ozone, Ozone Day & the ways to protect the ozone layer… 

Ozone (O₃) is a highly reactive gas composed of three oxygen atoms. It is both a natural & a man-made product that occurs in the Earth’s upper atmosphere (The Stratosphere) & the lower atmosphere (The Troposphere). Ozone effects life on Earth in either good or bad depending on its position in Earth’s atmosphere. It is a colorless or pale blue gas with a pungent smell. 

The highest levels of ozone in the atmosphere are in the stratosphere, also known as the ozone layer between 10-50km above the surface. Lowest level ozone is present in the troposphere, is an atmospheric pollutant. It is formed by the reaction of sunlight on air containing hydrocarbons & nitrogen oxides. 

Ozone pollution in urban areas affects denser populations & worsened by high populations of vehicles, which emit pollutants NO₂ & VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), the main contributors to problematic ozone levels. Ozone exposure leads to several health problems like, affect the respiratory, cardiovascular & central nervous system, causes early deaths & problems in reproductive health. 

Life on earth is not possible without sunlight. But the energy from the sun is too much for the life on Earth. Here the ozone layer acts as a shield to protect the Earth from most of the sun’s harmful ultraviolent rays. ozone layer is the most pivotal factor that makes life possible on the Earth. 

The scientists had discovered in late 1970’s that a hole was created in the ozone layer & they raised a alarm for protection of ozone layer. In 1985, the World’s governments adopted the Vienna Convention for the protection of the ozone layer by making Montreal protocol to cut out 99% of all ozone depleting substances. On 16^th September 1987 the Montreal protocol was signed by the countries.

In 1994, the United Nations General Assembly had proclaimed September 16^th as World Ozone Day (i.e. International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone layer). It proves that collective decisions & actions along with science are the only way to solve any major global crises.  

This year 2020, we are celebrating 35 years of ozone layer protection. Let’s pledge to save the ozone layer by using eco-friendly things. We have to preserve the ozone layer for our future generations also. Scientists said that “The great news is the ozone layer is healed & back to normal again due to Polar Vortex in the Arctic region.”  

Ways to protect the ozone layer: 

1. Use air- conditioning & refrigeration equipment that do not use HCFCs or CFCs as refrigerant.

2. Use aerosol products that do not use HCFCs or CFCs as propellants

3. Maintain the air conditioners & refrigerators to prevent & minimize the leakage of refrigerant.

4. Minimize the use of cars

5. Avoid the consumption of gases that are harmful to the ozone layer in the content or manufacturing process.