International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, also known as World Ozone Day, was created in 1994 by the United Nations to commemorate the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in 1987. The Montreal Protocol was drafted in order to monitor the usage of ozone-depleting substances, and eventually eliminate these substances.

The official site for World Ozone Day describes both the Montreal Protocol and World Ozone Day in very great length, but there are also neat and easy ways to celebrate World Ozone Day. The United Nations Environment Programme declared the theme of World Ozone Day 2019 to be “32 Years and Healing,” sharing the success of ozone layer protection for more than thirty years as a result of the Montreal Protocol. Most ozone-depleting substances come from large factories, but as individuals we can still do our part on World Ozone Day. For example, we can make sure not to use products that contain chemicals which are dangerous to the ozone layer, such as many cleaning products and pesticides, and replace these products with alternatives that have ozone-safe ingredients. We can also decrease our use of cars and ride bicycles or public transportation as often as possible to minimize the number of vehicles polluting the air. Another way to save the ozone layer is to buy local products to limit the distance of transportation vehicles; this also adds the extra advantage of fresher foods.

How World Ozone Day Unites People

World Ozone Day brings people together because if the ozone layer is damaged beyond repair, our planet will be vulnerable to radiation and ultraviolet light. This is a serious hazard for all living beings. We only have one Earth, so we should strive to protect it like our lives depend on it, because they truly do.