International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

Mark DaCosta- Today, September 16, is International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. Many people call it “Ozone Day.” The observance was proclaimed by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in 1994. September 16 was chosen in commemoration of the date of the signing, in 1987, of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. Ozone day 2023 is being held under the theme, “Fixing the ozone layer and reducing climate change.

Guyanese are known to frequently confuse or “mix up” the ozone layer problem with climate change. It should be noted that the two issues are not at all closely related from a scientific standpoint. However, many analysts point to the fact that ozone depletion was caused by man, and because action was taken, the ozone layer problem is being fixed. Similarly, if we take action, the climate change issue that currently threatens the very existence of human life, could also be solved.

The ozone layer or ozone shield is a region of Earth’s atmosphere that absorbs most of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation.  The layer is approximately 15 to 35 kilometers (9 to 22 miles) above Earth, although its thickness varies seasonally and geographically. The layer contains a high concentration of ozone (O₃) in relation to other parts of the atmosphere. Ozone is a gas that has three oxygen atoms in each molecule. The layer is important because without it the Earth would be bombarded with harmful – even deadly – UV radiation.

In 1976, atmospheric research proved that the ozone layer was being depleted by chemicals released by industry, mainly chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). There were concerns that increased UV radiation due to ozone depletion threatened life on Earth, including increased skin cancer in humans and other ecological problems. This led to bans on the chemicals. Those international bans on ozone depleting chemicals came about after the signing of the Montreal Protocol on September 16, 1987. Ozone Day was first observed in 1995.

Presently, the latest scientific evidence shows that ozone depletion has slowed or stopped. Analysts say that if humans were able to solve that problem by taking decisive action, we can do the same for climate change.