Why is World Ozone Day celebrated? Things you should know

World Ozone Day is celebrated every year on September 16 to preserve the ozone layer that protects the Earth from the direct impact of the ultraviolet rays of the Sun.

By celebrating this day the United Nations intends to raise awareness among mankind about the significance of the ozone layer and how its depletion in some parts is already causing global warming and changes in the climate across the world.

The ozone layer is a thin layer made of gas that protects our planet from the Sun’s harmful rays. But due to industrial and other types of pollution holes have been created in this ozone layer. It has directly impacted the temperature on Earth leading to a global warming situation.

The ongoing healing of the ozone layer is an inspirational example of how the world can come together to address global challenges, such as the climate crisis.

More on Saturday's #OzoneDay: https://t.co/mnz2Gl6sMe #ClimateAction pic.twitter.com/KYajwdbuUI

— United Nations (@UN) September 15, 2023

Depletion in the ozone layer was first detected in 1970 and it was found that the depletion has been caused because of the release of ozone-depleting substances or ODS in the atmosphere. World Ozone Day aims to make people aware of the ODS situation and how further deterioration can be stopped.

The day is celebrated on September 16 to commemorate the Montreal Protocol. It is an agreement related to the environment regulating the production as well as consumption of around 100 man-made chemicals that cause depletion in the ozone layer. The agreement was signed in 1987 and in 1992 the UN General Assembly declared that September 16 would be celebrated as World Ozone Day.

The main aim of the Montreal Protocol is the protection of the ozone layer by reducing and stopping the production and consumption of ODS across the globe. The UN assigns a theme every year to this celebration and this year World Ozone Day 2023 is being celebrated as "Montreal Protocol: Fixing the Ozone Layer and Reducing Climate Change.”

While the experts and global leaders continue to make attempts to stop the further depletion of the ozone layer, the common man also can make sure to contribute in his own way by avoiding the use or emission of chemicals that can cause the depletion of the ozone layer.