17th September 2024 (10 Topics)

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World Ozone Day

Context

September 16 is designated as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer by the United Nations to protect the fragile shield of the Ozone layer, which protects the planet Earth from the harmful ultraviolet radiations from the Sun. India has been celebrating this day since 1995. The theme for this year is “Montreal Protocol: Advancing Climate Actions”.

What is Ozone (O3)?

Ozone (O3) is a reactive gas made up of three oxygen atoms. The word ‘ozone hole’ refers to areas or regions harmed by damaging UV radiations.
It is found in the stratosphere (15-30 km above Earth) and at ground level.
Characteristics: Pale blue gas with a distinct odor. Measured in Dobson Units (DU); typical concentration is around 300 DU.
- Dobson Unit (DU) is the unit of measurement for measuring the amount of ozone in a column of air above the Earth’s surface.
Ozone Layer Depleted
Regions Affected: Mainly Antarctica and the Arctic, with greater recognition in Antarctica.
Mechanism: Depletion is linked to low stratospheric temperatures and the presence of halogen source gases (e.g., chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons) which weaken the ozone layer.
Impact of Human Activities: Industrial activities and consumer goods contribute to ozone depletion through emissions of ozone-depleting substances.

Harmful Effects of Ozone Depletion

Human Health: Increased UVB radiation leads to higher risks of skin cancer, cataracts, and other health issues.
Flora: UVB radiation negatively affects plant growth and development.
Marine Life: UVB impacts phytoplankton, affecting the marine food chain.
Terrestrial Life: Increased UVB alters biogeochemical cycles, impacting greenhouse gas levels.

Montreal Protocol

Adopted: September 16, 1987

The Montreal Protocol is the landmark multilateral environmental agreement that regulates the production and consumption of man-made chemicals referred to as ozone-depleting substances (ODS).
- The stratospheric ozone layer is damaged by these ODS.
Implementation: Phases out ODS with specific timetables for developed and developing countries. Requires annual reporting, trade controls, and licensing systems.
Key Achievements
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs): Phased out due to their ozone-depleting effects.
Universal Ratification: On September 16, 2009, the Montreal Protocol was universally ratified.
Kigali Amendment: Approved in October 2016 to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) due to their high global warming potential. The goal is to reduce HFCs by 80-85% by the late 2040s.

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GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

17th September 2024 (10 Topics)

Copy

World Ozone Day

What is Ozone (O3)?

Harmful Effects of Ozone Depletion

Montreal Protocol

Still Have Questions?

GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

World Ozone Day

What is Ozone (O3)?

Harmful Effects of Ozone Depletion

Montreal Protocol

Still Have Questions?

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