ON September 16th every year, the world observes International Ozone Day as attention is focused on the importance of the Ozone and the effects of our activities on increasing Ozone depleting substances being released into the atmosphere.

This year, the theme is ‘Universal participation: Ozone protection unifies the world’. This theme is intended to highlight the fact that the Montreal Protocol is one of the most widely endorsed environmental agreements in the world today.

The ozone layer plays an important role in blocking out the ultra-violet (UV) rays that originate from the Sun. This is why it is so important that we all have an understanding of the Ozone and its role in helping to keep Earth safe and healthy.

What exactly is Ozone?
Ozone is a naturally occurring gas found in the upper layer of the Earth’s atmosphere where it absorbs some of the ultra violet (UV) rays that would otherwise enter the Earth’s atmosphere and cause many skin-related diseases.

The Ozone forms a layer (a shield from UV rays) that is made up of molecules. Scientists have discovered that several holes have begun to appear in the Ozone Layer and this is caused by human activities which have contributed to the depletion of the ozone layer.

How is the Ozone Layer being depleted?
Some chemical substances that we have been using in our homes, work and industries – when released into the atmosphere, results in the depletion of the ozone layer. Some of these ozone depleting substances include chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), Halons, Carbon Tetrachorides, Methyl Chloroforms and Methyl Bromides. Many of these substances are used in products we use everyday including refrigeration, foams, metal cleaning, fire extinguishers and cleaning solvents.

What is being done?
Montreal Protocol came out of a meeting of world leaders seeking solutions to the threats created by the depletion of the ozone layer. As a result, an agreement was made to eliminate the use of ozone depleting chemicals in the world. This agreement is the Montreal Protocol which was signed by over 180 countries in 1987 and was later revised twice, most lately in 1992. Guyana has also been working under the Montreal Protocol to reduce or completely phase out the use of ozone depleting substances.

What can you do to help?
We will forever be dependent on the Sun’s light and heat – it is essential for life on Earth. However, you are now aware that with the Sun’s heat and light, come dangerous UV rays which can cause many potential harmful effects. The natural protective layer that has been protecting us from these UV waves is being destroyed by our very own actions. We must therefore recognise that our actions are contributing directly to this global phenomenon and we need to take positive actions. A few things we can do to contribute to the global efforts of reducing ozone depletion include the following:

1. Protect yourself against sunburn by using sunscreen. Also, wear UV-protected sunglasses and a cap or hat when in the sun for long periods.

2. Reduce air pollution by ensuring your vehicles and other gas powered equipment such as electricity generators, pressure hoses, etc, are serviced regularly.

3. Conserve energy and water in your homes and work place. This reduces the amount of air pollution the local stations have to emit to provide you with these resources.

4. Utilise natural light in your home and workplace when possible.

5. Car-pooling reduces the amount of gas used and therefore air pollution used in transporting several individuals to work or school. Alternatively, try cycling or walking when possible.

6. Utilise public transportation verses taxi whenever possible.

7. When buying household products, look for items that have the ‘no CFCs’ label.

8. Use paint with a roller or brush rather than sprays as these release fumes into the atmosphere.

9. Cut down on Styrofoam packaging and reuse or recycle when possible.

Tell your family, friends and co-worker about what you are doing and why. We all need to live ‘greener’ lives.

Let us unite with the rest of the world in the fight to reduce the depletion of the ozone layer. Together – we can contribute to ensuring a clean and healthy environment for all!

You can also share your ideas and questions by sending your letters to: “Our Environment”, C/o EIT Division. Environmental Protection Agency, 7 Broad and Charles Streets, Charlestown, GEORGETOWN. Or email us at eit.epaguyana@gmail.com with questions and comments.