World Ozone Day, observed every year on September 16, is also known as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. The date was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1994, commemorating the date in 1987 when nations signed the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. The need to declare an action to preserve the ozone layer came as a result of the outset of its depletion. In 2017, 30 years after the Montreal Protocol, the closure of the hole in the ozone layer was observed and the effects of this have been projected to last up to 100 years.
History of World Ozone Day
The ozone layer is a region of the earth’s stratosphere absorbing most of the Sun’s ultraviolet radiation. It contains a higher concentration of ozone than other parts of the atmosphere, though compared to other gasses in the stratosphere, it is rather small. It is mainly found in the lower portion of the stratosphere, from about 10 to 22 miles above the earth, varying according to geography and seasons.French physicists Charles Fabry and Henri Buisson discovered the ozone layer in 1913. Measurements of the sun had shown that the radiation released from its surface to the ground on earth is usually consistent with a spectrum of a black body having extreme high temperatures, but there was no radiation below a wavelength measuring about 310 nanometers at the ultraviolet end of the spectrum. This led the scientists to deduce that the missing radiation at the ultraviolet end of the spectrum was being absorbed by something in the atmosphere. Upon several scientific tests, the spectrum of the missing radiation was eventually matched to just one known chemical, which was ozone.The properties of this chemical were explored extensively by British meteorologist G. M. B. Dobson, who developed a simple spectrophotometer with which stratospheric ozone from the ground could be measured. The photochemical mechanisms from which the ozone layer is formed were discovered by the British physicist Sydney Chapman in 1930. The ozone in the earth’s stratosphere comes about as a result of ultraviolet light striking ordinary oxygen molecules with two oxygen atoms, thereby splitting them into individual oxygen atoms after which the atomic oxygen then combines with unbroken Oxygen.
World Ozone Day timeline
French physicists Charles Fabry and Henri Buisson make this amazing discovery.
A British meteorologist develops a spectrophotometer by which the ozone’s maximum altitude can be determined.
Sydney Chapman discovers the mechanism of the formation of the ozone layer.
The Montreal Protocol, which is the basis of World Ozone Day, is signed in 1987.
World Ozone Day FAQs
What is the slogan for Ozone Day?
The slogan for World Ozone Day is ‘ozone for life.’
How can we protect the ozone layer?
We can start by avoiding the use of gases that are harmful to the ozone layer.
Can ozone repair itself?
Yes, but only if we reduce the emission of harmful gases into the atmosphere.
How to Observe World Ozone Day
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Conduct research on ozone layer depletion
It does not hurt to get intentional in learning more about ozone depletion. For World Ozone Day, read about the depletion of the ozone layer and its effects on our climate.
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Spread awareness of this important topic
The more people are informed of the dangers of ozone layer depletion, the better chances we have at stopping it. So, go on and spread the word.
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Join the conversation online
Contribute your opinion. Lend your voice to the cause by sharing information on your social media handles using the #WorldOzoneDay hashtag.
5 Important Facts About The Ozone Layer
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How the word was coined
The word ‘ozone’ is derived from the Greek verb ‘Ozein,’ which means ‘to smell.’
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It’s a pale blue gas that stinks
Ozone chemical is a blue gas that gives off a pungent smell and yes, it’s possible to smell it in the air.
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It’s harmful when too close to earth
Ground-level ozone is harmful to humans as it can result in chest pain and difficulty in breathing.
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The chemical composition of the ozone molecule
One molecule of ozone contains up to three atoms of Oxygen.
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Its depletion causes global warming
The depletion of the ozone layer is the major factor in global warming today and is the biggest climate change concern.
Why World Ozone Day is Important
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It creates awareness about the ozone layer
World Ozone Day gives us the opportunity to really study and think about the ozone layer. This is a subject that we can no longer ignore.
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It is an opportunity for green innovations
World Ozone Day opens up the opportunity for individuals and nations to come up with innovations in Green Energy. Reliance to green energy will help to relieve the depletion of the ozone layer.
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It is an opportunity to preserve the planet
World Ozone Day gives us the opportunity to learn about the ways we can all contribute to the preservation of our planet. It promotes a cause bigger than any individual and affects the whole of humanity.
World Ozone Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | September 16 | Saturday |
| 2024 | September 16 | Monday |
| 2025 | September 16 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | September 16 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | September 16 | Thursday |
