16 September: International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

• 16 Sep 2021

The International Day for the preservation for the Ozone layer (World Ozone Day) is observed to spread awareness of the depletion of the Ozone Layer and search for solutions to preserve it.

The theme for 2021 World Ozone Day: ‘Montreal Protocol – keeping us, our food and vaccines cool.’

About Ozone Layer

• The ozone layer is the common term for the high concentration of ozone that is found in the stratosphere around 15–30km above the earth's surface. It covers the entire planet and protects life on earth by absorbing harmful ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation from the sun.

Current Status of Ozone Layer

• In January 2021, the Ozone Hole finally closed due to collective efforts of the entire world, according to the World Meteorological Organization.
• According to experts, the ozone layer is estimated to return to the pre-1980 level by the year 2050.

India’s Initiative

• The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change devised the India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP) in 2019, aimed at providing an integrated vision towards reducing refrigerant transition, enhancing energy efficiency, and curbing cooling demands.

Background: Vienna Convention & Montreal Protocol

• After a deal called Montreal Protocol on Substances that deplete the ozone layer signed by almost every country in 1987, the UN General Assembly, in 1994, proclaimed this day as the International Day for the Prevention of the Ozone Layer.
• The Montreal Protocol was a deal for countries across the globe to curb the existence of all ozone-depleting substances such as aerosols, chlorofluorocarbon, halons, etc., widely used for cooling and refrigeration purposes. The usage of such harmful substances resulted in a hole in the ozone layers in Antarctica, first discovered in 1970, which led to acute global warming in the past 20 years.
• However, the 1985 Vienna convention that gave rise to the Montreal Protocol did make a dent in the deadly disruption of the ozone layer.