International Day for preservation of Ozone Layer observed on 16 September

On 16th September 2014, the International Day for the preservation of the Ozone Layer was observed. Significance  of this day is that marks the commemoration of the date of signing of the Montreal Protocol in 1987 on substances that deplete the Ozone layer. 

The theme for 2014 is Ozone Layer Protection: The Mission Goes On.

On the occasion of the day, countries were invited by UN to devote a Day to promote activities in accordance with the objectives of the Protocol and its amendments. 

The actions taken according to the Montreal Protocol to phase out use of the ozone depleting substances has helped in reducing and protecting the ozone layer and its result has helped in addressing the climate change. 

Gases which are considered as Ozone depleting substances include Chlorofluorocarbons, halons, Carbontetrachloride.

History of International Day for preservation of Ozone Layer

The UN General Assembly in 1994 proclaimed 16 September as the International Day for preservation of Ozone Layer and commemorated the date of the signing of 1987 Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. 

Ozone Layer

The ozone layer is fragile shield of gas that protects the Earth from the harmful UV rays of the sun. 

The layer helps in preserving life on the planet. It protects human health and ecosystems by limiting the harmful ultraviolet radiation from reaching to earth.

The ozone layer contains high concentrations of Ozone (O3) relative to other parts of the atmosphere, although it is still very small relative to other gases in the stratosphere. 

This layer is mainly found in the lower portion of stratosphere at a height of 20 to 30 kilometer above Earth. Thickness of the layer varies seasonally and geographically. 

Ozone layer was discovered by the French physicists Charles Fabry and Henri Buisson in 1913. 

While, its properties were explored in detail by the British meteorologist GMB Dobson who developed a simple spectrophotometer (the Dobsonmeter) that could be used to measure stratospheric ozone from the ground. 

Between 1928 and 1958 Dobson established a worldwide network of ozone monitoring stations, which continue to operate to this day. The Dobson unit, a convenient measure of the amount of ozone overhead, is named in his honor.