"Save the sky: protect yourself - protect the ozone layer"
The ozone layer is a region of the Earth's atmosphere that contains high concentrations of ozone. Ozone is a very small part of our atmosphere, but its presence is no less important for human well-being. Most of the ozone is found between 20 and 40 kilometers above the Earth's surface and serves an important protective function. The ozone layer is a natural filter that absorbs ultraviolet radiation from the Sun, preventing it from reaching the Earth's surface.
Threat to the Ozone Layer
The main threat to the ozone layer in the 20th century was the use of chemicals known as “chlorofluorocarbons” (CFCs) and other substances containing chlorine and bromine. They were used in refrigerators, air conditioners, aerosols, and many other products. When CFCs reach the stratosphere, they break down when exposed to sunlight and release chlorine, which destroys ozone molecules. One atom of chlorine can destroy up to 100,000 ozone molecules.
Scientific research has found that a number of widely used chemicals are extremely dangerous to the ozone layer.
Halocarbons are chemicals in which one or more carbon atoms are bonded to one or more halogen atoms (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine). The synthetic chemicals that provide most of the chlorine and bromine for ozone depletion are methyl bromide, methyl chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, and the family of chemicals known as halons, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).
The most famous manifestation of ozone depletion is the formation of the so-called “ozone hole” over Antarctica, which was first noticed in the 1980s. This “hole” – an area with significantly reduced ozone concentrations – forms every year during the Antarctic spring (September-November).
History:
In the 1980s, a sharp drop in stratospheric ozone concentrations, the so-called "ozone hole", was first detected over Antarctica. Scientific confirmation of the depletion of the ozone layer prompted the international community to create a mechanism for cooperation in taking measures to protect it. This was enshrined in the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, which was adopted and signed by 28 countries on March 22, 1985. In addition, on September 16, 1987, in Montreal, Canada, representatives of 46 countries signed the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. In memory of the signing of the protocol, in 1994 the UN General Assembly, by its resolution (A/RES/49/114), proclaimed September 16 as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.
Ozone layer protection activities
The global community has taken significant steps to protect the ozone layer:
1. Montreal Protocol (1987)
The main international agreement adopted to control the production and consumption of substances that destroy the ozone layer. This agreement became one of the most successful environmental documents, which obliged countries to stop producing and using CFCs and other ozone-depleting substances.
2. Vienna Convention (1985)
The agreement, dedicated to the protection of the ozone layer, laid the foundation for the adoption of the Montreal Protocol.
3. Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) - some of these are replacing CFCs, but they also have a strong greenhouse effect. In recent years, work has been underway to develop environmentally friendly replacements.
Montreal Protocol: Stepping Up the Fight Against Climate Change
The Montreal Protocol is a global agreement to protect the Earth's ozone layer by phasing out ozone-depleting chemicals. It entered into force in 1989 and is one of the most successful global environmental agreements.
The primary objective of the Montreal Protocol is to protect the ozone layer by limiting the total world production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances, with the ultimate goal of eliminating them, based on scientific knowledge and technological information. The Montreal Protocol is built around several groups of ozone-depleting substances. The groups of chemicals are classified according to their chemical family and are listed in annexes to the text of the Montreal Protocol.
The Montreal Protocol controls nearly 100 chemicals in several categories. For each group of chemicals or annex, the Treaty sets a schedule for phasing out production and consumption, with the ultimate goal of eliminating them completely. The Montreal Protocol sets a schedule for consumption of ozone-depleting substances.
The Montreal Protocol has been implemented successfully in both developed and developing countries. All phased withdrawal schedules were adhered to in most cases, and some were even ahead of schedule.
“perhaps the most successful international agreement in human history”
Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan called the Montreal Protocol
Universal ratification
On September 16, 2009, the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol became the first treaties in the history of the UN to receive universal ratification.
Kigali Amendment
The Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer reached an agreement at their 28th Meeting of the Parties, held on 15 October 2016 in Kigali, Rwanda, to phase down the consumption and production of chlorofluorocarbons.
Expectations
Under current policies, the ozone layer is expected to recover to 1980 values (the approximate date of the ozone hole's appearance) by around 2066 over Antarctica, by 2045 over the Arctic, and by 2040 over the rest of the world. The variations in the size of the Antarctic ozone hole, particularly between 2019 and 2021, have been driven mainly by meteorological events. However, the Antarctic ozone hole has been slowly improving in terms of area and depth since 2000.
"The fact that the ozone layer is on the path to recovery, according to the latest quadrennial report,
“This is truly fantastic news,” said Meg Seki, Executive Secretary of the Ozone Secretariat of the United Nations Environment Programme. “The impact of the Montreal Protocol on mitigating climate change is hard to overstate. Over the past 35 years, the Protocol has become a true champion of the environment. The assessments and reviews conducted by the Scientific Assessment Panel remain a vital component of the Protocol’s work, helping to inform policy and decision makers.”
Achievements and current situation
Ozone-depleting substances have been gradually phased out of production and use:
By 2023, the rate of ozone depletion has been significantly reduced and the ozone layer is gradually recovering.
Scientists predict that by 2060, the ozone layer could fully recover to the level of the 1980s, provided that international commitments are met.
People can contribute to the protection of the ozone layer and the environment as a whole by following a number of simple steps and practices in their daily lives:
How can humans contribute to the protection of the ozone layer?
Avoiding the use of harmful chemical products
Proper disposal of household appliances
Energy saving
Responsible consumption and recycling of waste
You can vote for more than one answer.
All these options are correct, let's consider them in more detail.
"Avoid using products with harmful chemicals"
"Buy household appliances without CFCs and HFCs": Carefully choose refrigerators, air conditioners and other appliances that do not contain ozone-depleting substances. Today, there are devices on the market, produced according to more ecological technologies.
"Abandon aerosol cans" that may contain substances harmful to the ozone layer. Instead, you can use water-based sprays or mechanical sprayers.
"Proper disposal of household appliances"
"Giving old equipment" (refrigerators, air conditioners, etc.) to special disposal points. These devices may contain CFCs that may enter the atmosphere during improper disposal.
"Don't throw away old aerosol cans and chemicals" to prevent them from leaking into the atmosphere.
"Energy saving"
"Reduction of energy consumption": Energy conservation helps to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases that negatively affect the climate and the ozone layer. Using energy-saving lamps, household appliances of energy efficiency class "A" and turning off electrical appliances when they are not in use also reduces the burden on the environment.
"Installation of solar panels or other renewable energy sources", if possible, also helps to reduce emissions of harmful substances.
Using ecologically clean vehicles
"Choosing public transport", cycling or walking, instead of a private car, helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
"Use of electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles" is also an ecological solution.
"Support of environmentally conscious brands"
"Vybor products and brands", which use environmentally friendly technologies and care for the environment, supports sustainable production. Many companies today indicate on the packaging that their products are safe for the ozone layer.
"Education and Awareness"
"Educating those around you": A simple explanation to friends and family about the importance of protecting the ozone layer and reducing the use of ozone-depleting substances can help increase awareness.
"Reading and participation in ecological initiatives", such as support for environmental organizations and participation in actions related to climate protection.
"Responsible consumption and recycling of waste"
"Reduction of waste and recycling": Reducing the use of plastic and choosing recycled materials helps to reduce the burden on ecosystems and reduce atmospheric pollution.
"Use of reusable goods" (bags, bottles, containers) also reduces the amount of discarded waste and reduces environmental pollution
"Environmental Policy Support"
"Vote for politicians and support laws" aimed at protecting the environment and climate initiatives, such as the use of clean technologies and control over emissions of ozone-depleting substances.
By following these simple steps, every person can contribute to the preservation of the ozone layer and the protection of nature for future generations.
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