International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer
Today is International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer! In 1985, the world’s governments adopted the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer.
Fun Fact: Did you know that the word “ozone” means smelly in Greek? This is because the gas has a strong odor!
What is the ozone layer?
Let’s talk about Ozone. Ozone is a gas made up of molecules that are formed by three oxygen atoms! It is molecule formula is O3. Ozone is formed when the sunlight hits oxygen molecules (O2) and breaks them up into individual atoms. These individual atoms then join up with O2 molecules and make O3, or ozone.
Now what is the ozone layer? Way up high in the Earth's atmosphere, called the stratosphere, there is a fairly high concentration of ozone molecules that are formed when the sun hits oxygen molecules. This part of the atmosphere is called the ozone layer. The ozone layer protects the Earth from the harmful portion of the rays of the sun, thus helping preserve life on the planet.
The Ozone Layer can be damaged by certain types of molecules can cause a chemical reaction when they come in contact with ozone molecules. This causes the ozone to break up and become unable to absorb ultraviolet light. The main molecules that are destroying the ozone layer are called chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs. 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. It has protected human health and ecosystems by limiting the harmful ultraviolet radiation from reaching the Earth.
How do we protect the ozone layer?
Thirty six years ago today, the Vienna Convention was put into place. Now you may ask “what was the Vienna Convention?”
In 1985, the world’s governments adopted the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer. Under the Convention’s Montreal Protocol, governments, scientists and industry worked together to cut out 99 per cent of all ozone-depleting substances. The principal aim of the Montreal Protocol is to protect the ozone layer by taking measures to control total global production and consumption of substances that deplete it, with the ultimate objective of their elimination on the basis of developments in scientific knowledge and technological information. Thanks to the Montreal Protocol, the ozone layer is healing and expected to return to pre-1980 values by mid-century. In support of the Protocol, the Kigali Amendment, which came into force in 2019, will work towards reducing hydrofluorocarbon (HFCs), greenhouse gases with powerful climate warming potential and damaging to the environment.
Why celebrate World Ozone Day?
World Ozone Day, held on September 16, celebrates this achievement. It shows that collective decisions and action, guided by science, are the only way to solve major global crises. The slogan of the day, ‘Ozone for life’, reminds us that not only is ozone crucial for life on Earth, but that we must continue to protect the ozone layer for future generations.
Fun Fact: The ozone layer over Antarctica is very thin. It is sometimes called the "hole" in the ozone layer!