Date: Friday, 16 September 2022. 28th Anniversary.
Sponsor: United Nations
Objective:
The International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is annually observed to advocate activities that create awareness on topics related to climate change and ozone depletion.
Background:
The ozone layer is a part of the atmosphere, which forms a natural shield that protects Earth from the harmful UV rays coming from the sun. In 1985, an ozone hole over Antarctica was first discovered and shocked the whole world.
Ozone depletion could be very disastrous since life on Earth would be harmed by UV radiation. Ozone depletion also causes photochemical smog and acid rain, threatens the life of microscopic organisms, alters the life cycles of plants, and disrupts the food chain.
Ozone depletion is avoidable as its main causes are the emission of human-made chemicals that contain chlorine or bromine, such as greenhouse gases and typical gases used in refrigerants and aerosol propellants.
Inception:
The International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer (IDPOL) was first officially held on 16 September 1995, and annually held since then.
In 1994, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution (A/RES/49/114) at its 92nd plenary meeting, designating 16 September of each year as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. The day was chosen to commemorate the date, in 1987, of the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.
How to observe the Ozone Layer Preservation Day
Learn, share, and action!
Given the negative effect of human-made chemical emissions on ozone layer in atmosphere, it is time for our human being to adopt measures to save our planet and the ozone layer. To reduce the ozone depletion, we should promote the use of environmental-friendly fertilizers, whereas avoid the use of products with Ozone-Depleting Substances. Measures should also be taken to prevent excessive greenhouse gas emissions.
On the Day, states, organizations and communities are encouraged to host different educational and promotional activities, including seminars, lectures, conferences, forums, and social media campaigns, to raise and spread awareness of ozone depletion and the importance of ozone layer preservation.
Each year’s global celebration of the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer has a unique emphasis. The theme is proposed by the United Nations.
Annual theme in recent years:
2021 theme: ‘Montreal Protocol – Keeping Us, Our Food, and Vaccines Cool.’
2020 theme: “Ozone for Life: 35 Years of Ozone Layer Protection”.
2019 theme: “32 Years and Healing”.
2018 theme: “Keep Cool and Carry On”.
Official website:
www.un.org/en/observances/ozone-day
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