Ozone layer depletion is one of the most serious problems faced by our planet. Therefore to create awareness, the United Nations General Assembly has designated September 16 as International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. September 16 was mark the day back in 1987 when the Montreal Protocol was signed. Montreal protocol is an inter-government treaty to phase out the release of Ozone depleting substance.
World Ozone Day has been celebrated since 1994.The day is celebrated all around the world mainly intended to spread awareness of the depletion of the Ozone Layer and search for solutions to preserve it. The theme for World Ozone day for the year 2015 to 2030 is “Healing our ozone together “.
Ozone is a colorless gas which is found in the stratosphere of our upper atmosphere. The layer of Ozone gas is what which protects us from the harmful Ultraviolet radiation of the sun. The ozone layer absorbs these harmful radiations and thus prevents these rays from entering the earth’s atmosphere. Ultraviolet radiation are high energy electromagnetic waves emitted by the sun which if enters the earth’s atmosphere can lead to various environmental issues including global warming and also a number of health related issues for all living organisms.
The most important reason for ozone layer depletion is the production and emission of Chlorofluorocarbon (CFCs). Apart from CFCs, other causes include increase in the level of chlorine and bromine gases in the upper stratosphere. This is what which leads to almost 80% of the total Ozone layer depletion. Hydrofluorocarbons (HCFCs), which are being made to replace CFCs for use as vehicle AC, are much less harmful to stratospheric ozone, but they are potent greenhouse gases. Most ozone depleting substances have a lifetime of about 100 years. The main sources of chlorofluorocarbons are refrigerators and air conditioners. Scientists have observed a hole in ozone layer which is alarming for the world. So to create awareness and to acquire environmental friendly techniques to reduce the use of chlorofluorocarbons is a must.
As Ozone plays a vital role in shielding life from harmful ultraviolet light on earth, its depletion can have major effects on human’s health and the surrounding as well by releasing harmful UV rays from the sun. One of the most harmful effects of Ozone depletion on human’s health is the cause skin cancer. More than 13,000 new cases of melanoma are reported around the world are reported around the world and some 66,000 people die from skin cancer every year. Apart from cancer, a shrink in Ozone layer raises the rates of malaria, cataracts and other infectious disease. It also leads to damage of immune system, aging of skin, difficulty in breathing, chest pain and throat irritation, hampering lung function. On plant, it affects the growth by altering the physiological and developmental processes and also the time of flowering in some plant species, and also reduces survival rates for these organisms on marine ecosystem.
Ozone layer depletion is not something that affects any specific country or region. The whole world is vulnerable to its affects that makes it important for each and every one of us to take actions to reduce ozone layer depletion. International agreements such as Montreal protocol in 1987 have helped in reducing and controlling industrial emission of CFCs. More and more of such international agreements between countries is necessary to bring down ozone layer depletion. At individual level, everyone can also contribute towards reducing ozone layer depletion. Reduce/avoid using products which has CFCs like fresheners, aerosol hair sprays and cosmetics in plastic containers, Perform regular maintenance of your vehicle to prevent excessive smoke emission which causes air pollution, and save gasoline and crude oil, avoid burning of plastics and rubber tires. Buying and using recycled products, saving of energy, using of public transport can do a lot in combating ozone layer depletion. The most important thing that we can do is spreading awareness. Our individual efforts will go a long way in saving the earth’s blanket and keep our planet earth liveable for us and future generations. The ozone layer is what saves the earth and the living organisms from the harmful radiations of the sun. It is necessary to understand its importance and work to control the depletion of this layer.
Forestry Graduates' Association of Nagaland (FGAN)
