World Ozone Day: Ozone for life; 35 years of ozone layer protection

Ozone constitutes a very small part of our atmosphere, but its presence is nevertheless vital to human well-being. Most ozone resides high up in the atmosphere, between 10 and 40 km above the Earth's surface. This region is called the stratosphere and it contains about 90% of all the ozone in the atmosphere.

Hyderabad: Every year on 16th September, World observes Ozone Day to spread awareness among people about the depletion of Ozone Layer and search possible solutions to preserve it.

Ozone is a special form of oxygen with the chemical formula O3. The oxygen we breathe and that is so vital to life on earth is O2.

The phaseout of controlled uses of ozone-depleting substances and the related reductions have not only helped protect the ozone layer for this and future generations but have also contributed significantly to global efforts to address climate change; furthermore, it has protected human health and ecosystems by limiting the harmful ultraviolet radiation from reaching the Earth.

The theme of World Ozone Day 2020 is Ozone for life: 35 years of ozone layer protection. “Ozone for life”, reminds us that ozone is crucial for our life on Earth and we must continue to protect the ozone layer for our future generations also.

The History Of World Ozone Day :

The scientific confirmation of the depletion of the ozone layer prompted the international community to establish a mechanism for cooperation to take action to protect the ozone layer. This was formalized in the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, which was adopted and signed by 28 countries, on 22 March 1985. In September 1987, this led to the drafting of The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.

September 16 was assigned by the United Nations General Assembly as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. This assignment had been made on December 19, 2000, in recognition of the date, in 1987, on which nations signed the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.

In 1994, the UN General Assembly declared 16 September the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, remembering the date of the marking, in 1987, of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.

The closure of the hole in the ozone layer was observed 30 years after the protocol was signed. Due to the nature of the gases responsible for ozone depletion, their chemical effects are expected to continue for between 50 and 100 years. Also, on this day Educators teach their students about the benefits of the Ozone layer, and special events and activities are organized to spread awareness.

On 16th September 2009, the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol became the first treaties in the history of the United Nations to achieve universal ratification.

The Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer reached an agreement at their 28th Meeting of the Parties on 15 October 2016 in Kigali, Rwanda to phase-down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). This agreement is known as Kigali Agreement.

Importance of the ozone layer

Ozone (chemically, a molecule of three oxygen atoms) is found mainly in the upper atmosphere, an area called the stratosphere, between 10 and 50 km from the earth’s surface. Though it is talked of as a layer, ozone is present in the atmosphere in rather low concentrations. Even at places where this layer is thickest, there are not more than a few molecules of ozone for every million air molecules.

But they perform a very important function. By absorbing the harmful ultraviolet radiations from the sun, the ozone molecules eliminate a big threat to life forms on earth. UV rays can cause skin cancer and other diseases and deformities in plants and animals.

Causes of Depletion

The main cause of depletion of the Ozone layer is human activity mainly human-made chemicals that contain chlorine or bromine. These chemicals are known as ODS that is Ozone - Depleting Substances. Since early 1970's scientists observed reduction in stratospheric ozone and it was found more prominent in Polar Regions.

The chief ozone-depleting substances include chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), carbon tetrachloride, hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and methyl chloroform. Halons, sometimes known as brominated fluorocarbons, also contribute mightily to ozone depletion. ODS substances have a lifetime of about 100 years.

Why this year’s Arctic ozone hole was massive?

This year, the ozone depletion over the Arctic was much larger. Scientists believe that unusual atmospheric conditions, including freezing temperatures in the stratosphere, were responsible.

As per a European Space Agency report, cold temperatures (below -80°C), sunlight, wind fields and substances such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were responsible for the degradation of the Arctic ozone layer.

Although Arctic temperatures do not usually fall as low as in Antarctica, this year, powerful winds flowing around the North Pole trapped cold air within what is known as the polar vortex— a circling whirlpool of stratospheric winds.

“By the end of the polar winter, the first sunlight over the North Pole initiated this unusually strong ozone depletion—causing the hole to form. However, its size is still small compared to what can usually be observed in the southern hemisphere,” the report said.

Scientists believe that the closing of the hole is because of the same polar vortex and not because of the lower pollution levels during the coronavirus lockdown.

Ozone recovery :

As per the Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion data of 2018, the ozone layer in parts of the stratosphere has recovered at a rate of 1-3 per cent per decade since 2000. “At these projected rates, the Northern Hemisphere and mid-latitude ozone is predicted to recover by around 2030, followed by the Southern Hemisphere around 2050, and polar regions by 2060,” the report said.

To protect Ozone

Use Public Transport:Pollution emitted from the vehicles cause smog, which can cause harm to the Ozone layer. To avoid this, stop using private vehicles, when not needed. Using bicycles is one of the most convenient ways. If you have to use a car, try carpool or use public transport.

Recycle: Recycling should be one of the prime ways of living. Segregate the dry and organic garbage and then recycle it. Avoid using polythene or plastic completely. Use reusable and recyclable bags instead. Additionally, put maximum things to recycling or reusing.

Buy Eco-Friendly Products: Toxic chemicals, released from various products, play a large role in harming the ozone layer. Try to curb the menace by buying eco-friendly products, like jute bags, reusable containers, plantable pencils, and others.

Avoid Pesticides:One of the most harmful components, not just to animals, but also to humans, is pesticides. To ensure the maximum yield, the farmers grow vegetables in the protection of pesticides. Try to curb it, by growing your own vegetables. Also, suggest others to use natural remedies to protect the plants.

Avoid products that emit CFCs: Although it may seem unbelievable, the daily use appliances such as refrigerators and ACs emit CFCs. While it has been banned or reduced in many applications, it is always safe to keep the use of these products in check.