International Day for Preservation of the Ozone Layer

ON September 16, 2014, Guyana will join the rest of the world in observing International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, under the theme,“Ozone Layer Protection: The Mission Goes On”. This Day was designated by the United Nations as the day when we collectively think and act towards the preservation of our Ozone Layer. It is important that we each scurry to the task of reducing the use of ozone depleting substances as our future and that of our children and the world hinges on our decisive ability to change our practices.epa2

What really is this Ozone we are trying to protect?
The ozone is wearing thin or is lower than normal levels. This thinness of the ozone layer,commonly referred to as the ozone hole, now occurs every year over Antarctica between the months of September and November, when it is springtime at the South Pole. At this time, ozone levels over most of Antarctica are reduced by about sixty percent (60%) of the usual amount.
Ozone is a gas which is made up of three atoms of oxygen (O3) bonded together. High in the atmosphere, ozone naturally shields the earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation that comes from the sun.

Why the Need to Protect our Ozone and from What?
Some 15 years ago, scientists reported a drop in ozone atmospheric levels which were as a result of the release of gases into the stratosphere. It was soon recognised, that chlorine, largely in the form of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), was the chemical culprit prompting this reaction leading to the “Hole in the Ozone layer.” This action has no doubt brought the equal reaction of cataracts, skin cancer, and other skin diseases directly linked to the exposure to harmful UV rays in humans. UV radiation affects wildlife and causes the reduction of agricultural productivity, and damage to aquatic plant life; a healthy ozone layer would block these rays from entering below the stratosphere. As such, protecting our ozone means protecting ourselves and our environment.

Ozone Layer Protection – A Success Story
Earth’s ozone layer may be on the path to recovery, brought about by concentrated, international action against ozone depleting substances. The Montreal Protocol has been successful in arresting the flow of ozone depleting substances from entering our fragile stratospheric ozone layer which shields our planet from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.No doubt, this has also spared humans from millions of cases of skin cancer each year.
The Montreal Protocol called for a phase-out of ozone depleting substances which has had an effect. Yet there are still challenges ahead; it turns out that some replacement substances are potent greenhouse gases (GHGs), which can be detrimental to our world’s climate.
Though the global cooperative efforts of countries, industries and communities and individuals are contributing to the “mending” of the ozone hole, as this year theme says “The Mission Goes On”.
10 tips that will help you to care for our ozone

  1. Know the Rules: Read and learn about the Ozone and how to protect it.
  2. Ozone Friendly Shopping: Buy ozone Friendly Products.
  3. Be careful with appliances: for example refrigerators, air conditioners can contain CFCs or HCFCs that are likely to be released into the atmosphere if not properly handled.
  4. Do Not Recharge: appliances which contain CFCs “MUST NOT” be recharged.
  5. Don’t buy or use portable fire extinguishers that contain halons.
  6. Reduce the use of your car and other gadgets like compressors, lawn mowers, etc.
  7. Arrange an itinerary to save time and money if you have to use your car.
  8. Use alternative means of transport: buses, bicycles, or simply walk
  9. Reduce the use of air conditions especially on cooler days.
  10. Buy energy saving gadgets and bulbs. This will reduce the levels of pollution and save your pockets.

The ozone is a part of our environment, let’s all work towards the mission, of quality life existence.

Share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/o EIT Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, Georgetown; or email us at eit.epaguyana@gmail.com.

http://epa.gov/climatechange/kids/glossary.html#o
http://www.bcairquality.ca/101/individual-ozone-depletion.html
http://uv.biospherical.com/student/page2.html

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