Date: Wednesday, 16 September 2026. 32nd Annual Day.
Sponsor: United Nations
Objective:
The International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is annually observed for the following purposes:
- to recognize the importance of the ozone layer for the world,
- to raise awareness of ozone depletion and its adverse effects,
- to advocate activities that help to preserve the ozone layer and mitigate climate change.
Inception:
The International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer (IDPOL) was observed for the first time on 16 September 1995 and annually held since then.
History:
In 1994, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution (A/RES/49/114) at its 92nd plenary meeting, designating 16 September 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.
Why do we mark the ozone layer?
The ozone layer is a part of the atmosphere that forms a natural shield that protects Earth from the sun’s harmful UV rays. In 1985, an ozone hole over Antarctica was first discovered, shocking the whole world.
Ozone depletion could be disastrous since UV radiation would harm life on Earth. It also causes photochemical smog and acid rain, threatens the lives 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.
How to Observe the Ozone Layer Preservation Day
Learn, share, and action!
Given the negative effect of human-made chemical emissions on the ozone layer in the atmosphere, it is time for humans to adopt measures to save our planet and the ozone layer. To reduce ozone depletion, we should promote the use of environmentally friendly fertilizers and avoid 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, the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is celebrated globally with a unique emphasis. The theme is proposed by the United Nations.
Annual theme in recent years:
2025 theme: “From Science to Global Action”
2024 theme: “Advancing Climate Action”
2023 theme: “Fixing the Ozone Layer and Reducing Climate Change.”
2022 theme: “Global Cooperation Protecting Life on Earth”
2021 theme: “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
