Ozone Reparable Says UNEP As The Size of The Hole Reduced Progressively

World Ozone Day celebrated on September 16 to raise awareness and remind humankind of the importance of ‘protective layer’ ozone layer. This year’s theme is ’32 Years and Healing’.

This year’s theme is 32 Years and Healing which celebrates the efforts of three decades of the international community to protect the Ozone Layer. Montreal Protocol has phased out 99% of ozone-depleting chemicals in various devices like refrigerators, ACs, and other consumer products. The decision to celebrate World Ozone Day was taken in 2000 by the UN to commemorate the date of enforcement of the protocol. reparable

Since the 1990s, the size of the hole in the Antarctic region has reduced progressively. Montreal Protocol has been dubbed as the world’s most successful environmental agreement. As per the latest Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion, the ozone layer has recovered 1-3% every ten years since 2000. The UNEP has said that “Northern Hemisphere and mid-latitude ozone will heal completely by the 2030s.” The South Hemisphere will be repaired by 2050 and polar regions in the following decade.

UN General Secretary Antonio Guterres said, “We must be careful not to neglect the ozone layer as we rightly focus our energies on tackling climate change.” According to a tweet by UNEP “The Montreal Protocol has averted more than 135 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions going into the atmosphere from 1990-2010”. UNEP is also hopeful of the estimates that show that the ozone layer will be restored to its stage of 1980 by the 2060s.

The #MontrealProtocol has averted more than 135 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions going into the atmosphere from 1990-2010. Find out how the treaty is poised to do more for the climate at https://t.co/9DIlYjCBc5 #ClimateAction #OzoneDay 📷 @NASA pic.twitter.com/ZoYOjOqKRz

— UN Environment Programme (@UNEnvironment) September 16, 2019

Thanks to the #MontrealProtocol the ozone hole is expected to gradually close, with ozone returning to 1980 values by the 2060s.

We celebrate this and other successes this #OzoneDay: https://t.co/jm9QE1A26w#ClimateAction pic.twitter.com/Ywkkl1Gv8P

— UN Environment Programme (@UNEnvironment) September 16, 2019

Last year, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported the global concentration of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases is still steadily on the rise, with the obvious warming effects on the planet and ozone-teardown. Also according to a French study, the average temperature of Earth will be increased to 7-degree celsius towards the end of the century.

 THIRTY-TWO YEARS OF HEALING

The Ozone layer is present in Earth`s atmosphere (15-35km above Earth) and it
protects us from harmful UV radiations. Due to human activities, the ozone layer is
getting depleted on the planet which could be very disastrous. It also causes
photochemical smog and acid rain.

Ways To Help Protect Ozone Layer:

• The main cause of depletion of the Ozone layer is 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. One
  molecule of chlorine has the capability to break down thousands of ozone
  molecules. The chief ozone depleting substances include chlorofluorocarbons
  (CFCs), carbon tetrachloride, hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and methyl
  chloroform.
• Studies show that parts of the ozone layer have recovered over the decades since
  2000. It points to the importance and relevance of pushing us to keep hold of
  the positives by remaining vigilant.
• There is an international cooperation for protecting the ozone layer and the
  climate for over three decades under the Montreal Protocol. This Protocol,
  which is an international treaty, has helped in eliminating the ozone depleting
  chemicals. This points to the relevance of keeping up the momentum in
  ensuring a healthy planet and healthy people.
• Use of products which has Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) such as hair sprays
  fresheners, cosmetics, and aerosol in plastic containers should be reduced or
  avoided.
• Continue planting trees and used natural fertilizers as far as possible.
• Check smoke emission from vehicles which causes air pollution. Save on
  gasoline and crude oil by regular maintenance.
• Find ways of disposing of plastics and rubber tires without burning.

World Ozone Day is observed to spread awareness about the harmful effects
of Ozone depletion and ways to find out preventive measures. We can
celebrate our achievements, but we must all push to keep hold of these gains,
in particular by remaining alert and solving sources of ozone-depleting
substances as they surface. By combining action to reduce HFCs with energy
efficiency improvements in the cooling industry, we can achieve bigger climate
benefits.

Awareness:
Everyone especially educators must make the younger generation aware of the benefits of the Ozone layer and special events and activities should be organised and practiced to spread awareness about protecting the ozone layer.
Let’s keep on working and healing together!