India has been celebrating this important occasion since 1995. World Ozone Day 2024 “Montreal Protocol: Advancing Climate Action”, which outlines that Montreal ProtocolIt plays an important role in ozone layer protection and broader climate action efforts.
World Ozone Day: Origin and Significance
World Ozone Day began in the 1980s, when evidence emerged that human activities had significantly depleted the ozone layer. The ozone layer, located in the Earth’s stratosphere, is essential for protecting life by absorbing harmful gases. Ultraviolet radiation,
The Montreal Protocol, adopted on September 16, 1987, was a landmark international agreement to phase out ozone-depleting substances such as CFCs and HCFCs, resulting in significant improvements in ozone layer restoration.
Understanding the Ozone Layer
Ozone (O₃) is a reactive gas composed of three oxygen atoms. It can be natural or man-made and is found in the Earth’s stratosphere, which extends from 15 to 30 kilometers above the Earth’s surface. The term “ozone hole” refers to areas where the ozone layer has been significantly depleted, allowing harmful UV radiation to reach the Earth’s surface.
In the stratosphere, ozone is formed naturally through the interaction of solar UV light with molecular oxygen (O₂). In contrast, ground-level or tropospheric ozone is formed primarily through photochemical reactions involving volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides.
Key facts about the ozone layer
- Ozone is a pale blue gas with a characteristic odor.
- The concentration of ozone in the column of air above the Earth’s surface is measured in Dobson units (DU).
- Ozone is continually formed in the upper atmosphere by the action of ultraviolet radiation with atmospheric oxygen.
- The average ozone concentration is about 300 DU, with levels being lower at the poles and higher at the equator.
- In September 2000 the ozone hole reached its largest recorded size of 28.4 million square kilometers.
Depletion of the ozone layer
Depletion of the ozone layer Ozone hole formation is observed in both hemispheres, especially in Antarctica and Arctic, with the effect being more pronounced in Antarctica. The formation of ozone holes is closely linked to the stratospheric temperature. When the temperature drops below -78°C, stratospheric clouds form, which worsens the situation. ozone depletion,
Some consumer products and industrial activities release “halogen source gases” into the atmosphere, which weaken the ozone layer. For example, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) used in air conditioning and refrigeration break down into chlorine atoms that destroy ozone. Similarly, halons used in fire extinguishers contain bromine atoms that also damage the ozone layer.
Role of the Montreal Protocol
The Montreal Protocol, adopted on September 16, 1987, is a landmark environmental agreement that aims to regulate the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS). It mandates a phased reduction in ODS with specific timetables for both developed and developing countries, making it a vital tool in addressing ozone depletion.
Under the Montreal Protocol, hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) used in refrigeration and air conditioning are being phased out because of their harmful effects on the ozone layer. These substances have a global warming potential about 2,000 times greater than CO₂.
Universal ratification of the Montreal Protocol
On September 16, 2009, the Montreal Protocol and the Vienna Convention became the first UN treaties to be universally ratified, marking a significant milestone in global environmental governance.
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) were introduced as an alternative to CFCs and HCFCs. While HFCs do not deplete the ozone layer, they have high global warming potentials. In October 2016, parties to the Montreal Protocol agreed to phase out HFCs, with a target of 80–85% reduction by the end of 2040.
Current status of the Montreal Protocol
The state of the ozone hole has improved since the Montreal Protocol came into force. Recent estimates suggest that the ozone layer will recover to 1980 levels over Antarctica by 2066, over the Arctic by 2045, and globally by 2040. This improvement also contributes to mitigating climate change, as many ozone-depleting substances are potent greenhouse gases.
World Ozone Day Celebration in India
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change celebrated its 30th National Day in India. World Ozone Day The event, held in New Delhi last week and chaired by Union Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Leena Nandan, emphasised on sustained commitment to both ozone protection and climate action.
The theme of World Ozone Day 2024, “Montreal Protocol: Advancing climate action”, highlights the vital role of the Montreal Protocol in protecting the ozone layer while advancing global climate action.
