International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer (informally and simply called Ozone Day) is celebrated on September 16 designed by the United Nations General Assembly.[1] This designation had been made on December 19, 2000, in commemoration of the date, in 1987, on which nations signed the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.[2] In 1994, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 16 September the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, commemorating the date of the signing, in 1987, of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.[3] The closure of the hole in the ozone layer was observed 30 years after the protocol was signed.[4] Due to the nature of the gases responsible for ozone depletion their chemical effects are expected to continue for between 50 and 100 years.[4]
| International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer | |
|---|---|
 Ozone hole over Southern Hemisphere in 1957–2001 | |
| Observed by | UN Members |
| Date | 16 September |
| Next time | 16 September 2025 |
| Frequency | Annual |
| First time | 1994 |
Substance regulation and phase-out
editUnder the Montreal Protocol, parties commit to reducing the consumption and production of ozone-depleting substances (ODS). The treaty outlines a schedule for the phase-out of key substances such as CFCs, HCFCs, and halons. The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, agreed upon in 2016, included provisions for the phase-down of HFCs, which are potent greenhouse gases but do not deplete the ozone layer.[5]
Global impact and ratification
editThe Montreal Protocol is widely regarded as one of the most successful environmental agreements to date, having achieved universal ratification. Its implementation has led to the recovery of the ozone layer and contributed significantly to mitigating climate change. The Protocol's effectiveness is attributed to its dynamic structure, which allows for periodic updates and revisions based on scientific and technological progress.[5]
Themes by year
editThe United Nations designates a specific theme each year for the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer to highlight different facets of ozone protection.
- 2015: 30 Years of Healing the Ozone Together.[6]
- 2016: Ozone and climate: Restored by a world united.[7]
- 2017: Caring for all life under the sun.[8]
- 2018: Keep Cool and Carry On.[9]
- 2019: 32 Years and Healing.[10]
- 2020: Ozone for life: 35 years of ozone layer protection.[11]
- 2021: Montreal Protocol - Keeping us, our food and vaccines cool.[12]
- 2022: Montreal Protocol@35: global cooperation protecting life on earth.[13]
- 2023: Montreal Protocol: fixing the ozone layer and reducing climate change.[14]
- 2024: Montreal Protocol: Advancing Climate Action.[15]
See also
edit
References
edit- ^ "World Ozone Day 2021: Theme, Impact, Quotes, History, Ozone Depletion". SA News Channel. 2021-09-16. Retrieved 2021-09-16.
- ^ Nations, United. "International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer". United Nations. Retrieved 2021-09-16.
- ^ Deepshikha, Singh. "International Ozone Day Aims to Reduce HFCs". ABC Live. ABC Live. Archived from the original on 12 September 2017. Retrieved 17 September 2016.
- ^ a b Dani Cooper. "Hole in the ozone layer is finally 'healing'". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 24 April 2017.
- ^ a b Nations, United. "International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer". United Nations. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
- ^ "Precious Ozone: 30th Anniversary Of The Vienna Convention And International Ozone Day 2015 | Ozone Secretariat". ozone.unep.org. Retrieved 2024-04-26.
- ^ "Ozone And Climate: Restored By A World United | Ozone Secretariat". ozone.unep.org. Retrieved 2024-04-26.
- ^ "30th Anniversary of the Montreal Protocol: We are all ozone heroes | Ozone Secretariat". ozone.unep.org. Retrieved 2024-04-26.
- ^ "Keep Cool and Carry On | Ozone Secretariat". ozone.unep.org. Retrieved 2024-04-26.
- ^ "32 Years and Healing | Ozone Secretariat". ozone.unep.org. Retrieved 2024-04-26.
- ^ "Ozone for life: 35 years of ozone layer protection | Ozone Secretariat". ozone.unep.org. Retrieved 2024-04-26.
- ^ "MONTREAL PROTOCOL – KEEPING US OUR FOOD AND VACCINES COOL | Ozone Secretariat". ozone.unep.org. Retrieved 2024-04-26.
- ^ "WOD: Montreal protocol global cooperation protecting life on earth | Ozone Secretariat". ozone.unep.org. Retrieved 2024-04-26.
- ^ "Word Ozone Day 2023 Theme | Ozone Secretariat". ozone.unep.org. Retrieved 2024-04-26.
- ^ "Montreal Protocol: Advancing Climate Action | Ozone Secretariat". ozone.unep.org.