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DHAKA: World Ozone Day, officially known as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, is being observed worldwide today, Wednesday (September 16).
The day aims to raise public awareness about the vital role of the ozone layer in protecting life on Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation and the need to safeguard the atmosphere.
September 16 marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Montreal Protocol in 1987, a landmark international agreement aimed at regulating and gradually phasing out substances responsible for ozone depletion. In recognition of the importance of the agreement, the United Nations General Assembly declared September 16 the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer in 1994.
Scientists say the ozone layer, which occurs naturally in the stratosphere, absorbs a large portion of the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation. This protective layer helps shield humans, animals and plants from potentially damaging levels of UV exposure.
However, the ozone layer has suffered significant damage over the decades due to the widespread use of certain chemicals in industrial processes and everyday products. Increased exposure to UV radiation can raise the risk of skin and eye diseases and may also affect agriculture, marine ecosystems and the broader environment.
There is, however, growing optimism over the recovery of the ozone layer. The implementation of the Montreal Protocol has produced significant progress over the past several decades, making it one of the major successes in international environmental cooperation.
Experts caution that some ozone-depleting substances remain in the atmosphere for long periods, meaning their harmful effects may continue for years or even decades. Continued international cooperation and strict compliance with environmental commitments therefore remain essential.
World Ozone Day is thus not only an occasion to reflect on progress made in protecting the ozone layer, but also a reminder of the need to promote environmentally friendly technologies, reduce the use of ozone-depleting substances and adopt more sustainable ways of living.
Protecting the atmosphere is a shared responsibility—and an essential step toward leaving a safer and more habitable planet for future generations.
