September 16 every year is observed as 'International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer'. The celebration of this day is made to pay our homage to the ozone layer, which saves our earth from the harmful ultra-voilet radiation of the Sun. It is vital to human, animal, and plant life on the Earth's surface.
In the 1980s it was discovered that the layer was in danger due to the damage caused by emissions into the atmosphere of particular industrial chemicals. Emissions of man-made chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, carbon tetrachloride, methyl chloroform, methyl bromide and other substances are responsible for depletion of the ozone layer. These chemicals are mainly emitted from modern appliances like air-conditioners, refrigerators, fire extinguishers etc. Ozone depletion has reached record levels and millions of ozone molecules are being destroyed every minute thereby increasing the amount of harmful ultraviolet radiation that reaches the Earth's surface.
The depletion in the Ozone layer can cause:
a) Unexpected increase in the sea level that can submerge low lying regions.
b) The melting of glaciers, which will first result in floods and then a long lasting drought.
c) Skin cancer and eye cataracts to people and animals exposed to the radiations.
d) Reduction in agricultural productivity and severe damage the marine food chain.
e) Unexpected climatic changes
Nations throughout the world have committed themselves to phasing out the use and production of these harmful chemicals through an international treaty: the Montreal Protocol. The Montreal Protocol is a landmark international agreement to protect the ozone layer. The Protocol outlines governments' responsibilities for protecting human health and the environment against the adverse effects of ozone depletion. Various activities are being organised by countries world-wide to celebrate this event to raise awareness on ozone layer protection.
Efforts should be made to restore the Ozone layer to full health.
Save trees as they save life by inhaling harmful gas like carbon-di-oxide.
Save energy at every step.
Restrict the use of chlorofluorocarbons.
Use technologies which are environment-friendly, like bio-fertilizers.
