Source: The post World Ozone Day has been created, based on the article “Healing the Skies: World Ozone Day” published in “PIB” on 18 September 2025. World Ozone Day.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper -3- Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.
Context: World Ozone Day is observed every year on 16 September to create awareness about the ozone layer, which shields life on Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
World Ozone Day was established by the United Nations in 1994 to mark the adoption of the 1987 Montreal Protocol, one of the most successful global environmental treaties. The 2025 theme “From Science to Global Action” underlines how scientific evidence led to coordinated international action and the gradual healing of the ozone layer.
Global Efforts to Protect the Ozone Layer
- The Vienna Convention (1985) established cooperation between nations to protect the ozone layer.
- The Montreal Protocol (1987) led to the global phase-out of major ozone-depleting substances (ODSs) such as CFCs, halons, and carbon tetrachloride.
- The Kigali Amendment (2016) to the Montreal Protocol introduced the phase-down of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are potent greenhouse gases.
- The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has provided over $160 million to support ODS phase-out in transition economies, complementing the Montreal Protocol’s Multilateral Fund.
The Importance of the Ozone Layer
- The ozone layer located in the stratosphere 15–50 km above Earth and absorbs harmful UV-B rays and acts as a protective shield for all life forms.
- Without the ozone layer, there would be higher risks of skin cancer, cataracts, reduced agricultural productivity, marine life disruption, and material degradation.
Causes of Ozone Depletion
- Human-made chemicals such as CFCs, halons, carbon tetrachloride, and methyl bromide release chlorine and bromine atoms that destroy ozone molecules in the stratosphere.
- Natural processes, including volcanic aerosols, can worsen ozone depletion by enhancing the effects of man-made chemicals.
Environmental and Health Effects of Ozone Depletion
- Increased UV radiation raises risks of skin cancer, premature aging, cataracts, and weakened immune systems in humans.
- Crops like rice, wheat, and soybeans face reduced yields due to disrupted photosynthesis.
- Marine ecosystems are threatened as plankton and juvenile aquatic species are highly sensitive to UV radiation.
- Domestic animals and construction materials also suffer from greater UV exposure.
India’s Achievements under the Montreal Protocol
- India phased out CFCs, carbon tetrachloride and halons for controlled use by 2010, ahead of the Montreal Protocol schedule.
- The ODS Rules (2000) banned CFCs and halons in new equipment by 2003 and created a legal framework for enforcement.
- India met its HCFC Phase-Out targets under the HPMP Stage-I by phasing out 341.77 Ozone Depleting Potential (ODP) tonnes.
- Over 20,000 refrigeration and air-conditioning technicians have been trained to adopt non-ODS technologies.
- India’s Cooling Action Plan (ICAP, 2019) set global precedent, aiming to reduce cooling demand by 20–25%, energy use by 25–40%, and refrigerant demand by 25–30% by 2037–38.
- India’s National Strategy for HFC Phase-Down (2023) aligns with Kigali Amendment goals and prioritises low-GWP alternatives.
Individual Actions for Ozone Protection
- Consumers can choose CFC-free and ozone-friendly appliances.
- Homeowners can responsibly dispose of old air-conditioners, refrigerators and halon fire extinguishers.
- Farmers can shift to non-methyl bromide alternatives like integrated pest management.
- Technicians can recover and recycle refrigerants during servicing to prevent leakage.
- Citizens can educate themselves about national and global ozone protection efforts and support policy compliance.
Question: Discuss the significance of World Ozone Day in promoting global environmental cooperation. Highlight the key achievements of India under the Montreal Protocol. (Answer in 150 words)
