In the midst of the pandemic, the environmental protections persist and today, we celebrate World Ozone Day with the slogan "Ozone for Life". This event can be traced back to the 1985 Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer signed by governments around the world which consequently yielded the 1987 Montreal Protocol adopted as a global treaty in response to the discovery of the depletion of the ozone layer. This multil
ateral environmental agreement aims to continuously regulate the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) which are known to damage the stratospheric ozone layer that serves as the Earth's protective shield against harmful levels of ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
Since the adoption of Montreal Protocol, the global consumption of ozone-depleting substances has been greatly reduced which eased up the atmospheric concentration causing it damage. Earlier this year, new findings show that the ozone layer continues to heal, and this success is largely in recognition of the collective and decisive mitigation efforts, guided by science, across the globe that rally for stronger environmental policies, promote awareness, and implement programs and projects bearing the steward's integrity. This good news tells us that global coordination such as the adoption of Mo
ntreal Protocol as well as the creation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) work.
So what can we do? The UN Environmental Programme (UNEP) cited simple tips on how we can safeguard ourselves and the environment by wearing sunglasses for the protection of our eyes when we step outside and using sunscreen against harmful UV rays that can damage the skin. And in this time where most of us are stuck at home, there is no need to look further for practical ways but to start with how we use our appliances at home reasonably and responsibly.
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While the healing of the ozone layer is indeed a significant achievement, it is not the time to stay complacent but it should encourage us all the more to unite in one fight for the environmental conservation and sustainability we owe the next generation.
Sources:
Solomon, S., Alcamo, J., & Ravishankara, A. (2020, August 26). Unfinished business after five decades of ozone-layer science and policy. Retrieved September 15, 2020, from https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-18052-0
UN Environment. (n.d.). UNEP Executive Director message for World Ozone Day 2020. Retrieved September 15, 2020, from https://www.unenvironment.org/news-and-stories/video/unep-executive-director-message-world-ozone-day-2020
What You Can Do. (n.d.). Retrieved September 15, 2020, from https://ozone.unep.org/what-you-can-do
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