The International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is celebrated on the 16th September every year since 1994. The ozone layer, a fragile shield of gas, protects the Earth from the harmful portion of the sun's rays, thus helping to preserve life on the planet. HCFCs (hydrochloro-fluorocarbons) are ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and powerful greenhouse gases contribute to the thinning of the ozone layer.
The day is celebrated to commemorate the date on which the Montreal Convention was signed, but mainly to create awareness about how fast the ozone layer is getting depleted. The chief aim to observe this day as an international occasion is to generate a sense of awareness about the ozone layer, how it is formed and what are the methods to stop its depletion.
Due to the significant reduction of Ozone Depleting Substances globally has helped to protect the ozone layer but has also has contributed significantly to global efforts to address climate change. As a result, it has protected human health and ecosystems by limiting the harmful ultraviolet radiation from reaching Earth.
On this day through the medium of schools, colleges, organizations and media people connect to one another share their ideas for to control the threats that are destructing the earth. It also educates the masses about the importance of environment and the significant means to protect it.
Annual celebration of International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer has its own theme and keeps on changing from year to year. The theme of one year never gets repeated and every year a new and different theme is kept by the authorities. The International Day of the Preservation of the Ozone Layer was celebrated on the 16th September 2017 with the theme ‘Caring for all life under the Sun’.
The theme for 2018 is “Keep Cool and Carry On” and is accompanied by the tagline: The Montreal Convention.