Published at 16/09/2019


International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

September 16th has been celebrated since 1987 as the World Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, in the context of the Protocol signed in Montreal, which promotes the reduction of ozone-depleting gases and in order to raise awareness of the need for planet protection. In allusion, the UN declared the date as World Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.

The ozone layer is a gas layer  around the planet that is located at about 20 to 35 km altitude. It is this layer that is responsible for ensuring that all living things on Earth are protected against the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun. Without it, there would probably be no life.

In 1985 a hole in the ozone layer was discovered over Antarctica. CFC synthetic chemicals, used in aerosols, refrigerants, solvents or in the production of rigid packaging foam, were mainly to blame for the destruction of stratospheric ozone. This layer is fundamental for living beings because it absorbs over 95% of ultraviolet radiation from the sun. The answer to this problem was the Montreal Protocol.

Nevertheless , the exponential increase in the use of fossil fuels (eg oil and oil products), associated with deforestation, namely by forest fires (with natural trees consuming carbon dioxide) are also among the causes that increase the greenhouse effect.

Several studies indicate among the measures that can corroborate for the conservation of the ozone layer: recycling , preference for environmentally friendly products, reduced consumption of plastics and packaging. It is also referred to as preventive actions, planting trees, reducing car trips, reducing the use of sprays, switching from conventional bulbs to fluorescent ones, and turning off electronic devices when not used.