September 16
International Day of the Preservation of the Ozone Layer
In 1994, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed September 16 as the International Day of the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, commemorating the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that deplete the Ozone Layer.
This day is celebrated throughout the world by individuals, schools and organizations by promoting special programs and activities on saving the earth’s ozone layer and its significance in protecting the environment.
Background: A meeting was held in 1987 by the representatives from 24 countries in Montreal who declared that destruction of the ozone layer had to be stopped in order to protect the earth from environmental hazards; by getting rid of the substances that are a danger to the ozone layer. Hence, in 1994 the UN declared Sep. 16 (the day of the meeting) as the International Day of the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. It was first celebrated in 1995.
A few facts: The earth’s atmosphere is divided into several layers, the lowest being troposphere, and the next stratosphere. The ozone layer is the higher part of the stratosphere which absorbs the ultra violet radiation from the sun hence protecting the life on earth. Apart from natural resources like nitric oxide, hydroxyl, chlorine and bromine which can deplete the ozone layer, due to the increase in large quantities of manmade compounds [chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and bromofluorocarbons] the ozone shield is getting harmed. Continued damage shall augment lesser protection against the sun’s radiation which by reaching the earth’s surface can give rise to skin cancer, crop damage and cataracts. Hence, some countries such as US, Canada and Norway have banned CFCs containing aerosol sprays that are known to damage the ozone layer.
It is time for all countries to get together and ban substances which are a threat to life.
Hi, CFCs may be a problem. But not having CFC may be a more immediate problem as well. And, today, almost 20 years after the Montreal Protocol, the CFC replacements that were introduced are being seen as a problem.
ReplyDeleteI think it was said about Singapore, that without the air-conditioning, Singapore may not have been what it is today! And we can see from the Indian experience, that without refrigeration, it can be a matter of life and death. (50,000 Indians are estimated to die each year from snake bites because most rural health centres either do not have electricity or refrigeration needed to store the anti-venom).
Perhaps you would like to explore our efforts at www.ChallengingClimate.org and
www.InDefenceofLiberty.org and
www.AynRand.org
P.S. Also, www.AynRand.in, our initiative in India.
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