Dr. Vivak M. Arya, Tamanna Sharma
“Without the ozone layer, the Earth is like a house without a roof.”
This filial allegiance signifies the relationship between ozone layer and the presence of life on earth. An intricate web of gases that makes up the atmosphere of the Earth supports life and preserves the sensitive equilibrium that determines our survival. The ozone layer protects life on our planet by acting as a screen against the sun’s dangerous UV rays. Before digging into the significance of World Ozone Day, it is crucial to understand the ozone layer and its importance for life on earth. The ozone layer is a region of the Earth’s stratosphere containing a relatively high concentration of ozone (O3) molecules. With the chemical formula O3, ozone is an inorganic substance. The protection of life on our planet is greatly aided by this ozone layer, which is around 10 to 30 kilometres above the Earth’s surface. The primary role of the ozone layer is to absorb and block a large amount of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UVA, UVB, and UVC are the three types of ultraviolet light. Unlike UVA and UVB, which have various degrees of surface penetration, UVC is completely absorbed by the ozone layer. Only a small portion of UV radiation can reach the Earth’s surface because of the effective shielding effect of the ozone layer. Without this barrier, life as we know it would be in great risk since increasing UV exposure might lead to serious health issues and ecological disturbances. Life is made possible by sunlight, but life as we know it is made possible by the ozone layer. In the 1970s, as the ozone layer’s thickness was rapidly declining and dangerously depleting, the continuous destruction of the world ozone layer was first noticed. Over the South Pole, an area known as the ozone hole, was identified. The release of man-made chemicals known as ozone-depleting substances (ODS) was the main cause of the ozone layer depletion. Some of the major methyl chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, halons, and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). These substances were widely utilised in fire extinguishers, aerosol propellants, air conditioning, and refrigeration.
They were slowly carried into the stratosphere after being discharged into the atmosphere, where ultraviolet radiation subsequently oxidised them. Due to the chlorine and bromine atoms that were generated as a result of this process, the ozone molecules were eventually destroyed. The effects of ozone depletion were severe. The ecology and human health both suffered from increased UV rays reaching the Earth’s surface. The incidence of cataracts increased, and skin cancer rates began to rise. UV radiation also had detrimental effects on marine life, harming phytoplankton and other aquatic ecosystems. Coral reefs, already under stress from other environmental factors, are especially vulnerable. The disruption of terrestrial ecosystems caused by increased UV radiation can also have an impact on agriculture, forests, and wildlife. The growth and reproduction of plants and animals may be hampered by DNA damage caused by increased UVB light exposure. This, in turn, can have cascading effects on the entire food chain. A major turning point in the history of the environment was the adoption of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. The signing countries showed their shared commitment to environmental conservation by pledging to phase out the manufacturing and consumption of ozone depleting substances. The accomplishment of the Montreal Protocol is evidence of the effectiveness of international collaboration in resolving urgent global issues. So, keeping in mind the current status of ozone depletion and to promote international action to solve the problem, the United Nations General Assembly declared September 16th to be International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer in 1994. Since, then every year global event known as World Environment Day is observed on September 16th to raise awareness and promote action for the conservation of ozone layer.
As we consider the theme of this year’s World Ozone Day, “Montreal Protocol: Fixing the Ozone Layer and Reducing Climate Change,” we comprehend the inextricable link between ozone layer protection and climate change. The ozone layer’s recovery helps to lower greenhouse gas emissions, emphasizing the necessity of our actions. Powerful greenhouse gases include some of the compounds that destroy the ozone layer. Therefore, efforts to mitigate climate change and advance sustainability are aided by tackling ozone depletion. To regulate and limit ozone-depleting compounds, primarily chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons, nations adopted the Montreal Protocol on September 16, 1987. In 1989, the Protocol became active. It was the first and only UN environmental pact to have been adopted by every nation by the year 2008. The Protocol has come to represent what can be accomplished via international cooperation if people join together and cooperate to preserve the environment. The achievement of the Montreal Protocol serves as an example of how businesses, governments, and civil society may collaborate to overcome challenging environmental issues. The significance of scientific study in understanding how human activity affects the environment and directing policy is also emphasised. On this 35th anniversary, we will look back on how the Montreal Protocol put an end to one of the greatest risks to civilization ever: the ozone layer’s depletion. The entire world joined together after learning that synthetic chemicals used in aerosol sprays and cooling were responsible for the ozone hole. The ozone layer is recovering thanks to the phase-out of almost 99 percent of ozone-depleting chemicals.
Significant Achievements of Montreal Protocol in Ozone Layer Recovery:
Significant ODS Reduction: The Montreal Protocol has resulted in a significant drop in ODS use and production. As a result, the amount of these hazardous substances in the atmosphere has steadily decreased, aiding in the ozone layer’s regeneration.
Ozone Hole Recovery: According to reports, the ozone hole over Antarctica is progressively closing. The ozone layer is on the road to recovery thanks to the Montreal Protocol’s success in reducing ODS, even if it will take several more decades for a complete recovery.
Human Health and Ecosystem Protection: The procedure has protected human health by preventing ozone layer thinning, which lowers the risk of skin cancer and eye illnesses brought on by increased UV radiation. Furthermore, it has shielded species and ecosystems from the damaging effects of excessive UV radiation.
Combating Climate Change: The Montreal Protocol has significantly helped to tackle climate change in addition to its core goal of fixing the ozone layer. Numerous ODS, like CFCs and HCFCs, are powerful greenhouse gases with a substantially larger potential for global warming than carbon dioxide (CO2).A significant contribution to international efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions has been made by the phase-out of ODS, which has stopped the generation of billions of tonnes of CO2-equivalent greenhouse gases. If ozone-depleting chemicals had not been outlawed, climate change would have been disastrous, with an estimated 2.5°C rise in global temperature by 2100.
Synergy with the Paris Agreement: The Montreal Protocol’s objectives are consistent with those of the Paris Agreement, highlighting the potential for coordinated international action to address several environmental issues at once. Infact, the Montreal Protocol is a shining example of international collaboration and effective environmental policy.
On this World Ozone Day, we honour the accomplishments of the Montreal Protocol, a treaty that safeguards all forms of life today and of future via international cooperation. International conventions and regulations are important, but individuals can also make a difference by choosing ecologically friendly options. The importance of individual activities in preserving the ozone layer is one of the primary themes of World Ozone Day. The ozone layer is preserved in large part by individual acts driven by awareness and understanding. This involves using less ODS-containing products, such as aerosol sprays, and choosing environmentally friendly alternatives. It is crucial to choose ozone-friendly products, back laws that put the environment first, and promote sustainable behaviour. The foundation of these initiatives is education, since educated individuals become catalysts for change. Through activism and education, the younger generation, in particular, has the potential to accelerate significant changes. We all must work to foster a sense of stewardship for the environment.
Conclusion: The Montreal Protocol offers as an inspiring example of how nations may cooperate to protect the world for both present and future generations.
(The authors are working in the field of climate change, NRM at SKUAST-Jammu)
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