Home / Editor's Pick /

World Ozone Day: Celebrating a global effort

13:00
16 September 2023

World Ozone Day
Celebrating a global effort

environment pollution ozone delhi

Today we celebrate not only the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, but the greatest combined success for the planet in history.

Adopted in 1987, the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer remains the only treaty to have been ratified by every country on the planet.

All 198 states working together to rid the world of ozone-depleting substances such as chlorofluorocarbons.

Ozone is a gas with two sides. At ground level, it is considered a pollutant and forms the main component of smog, but in the atmosphere, it is our best protection against harmful UV radiation emitted by the Sun.

In the 1970s, scientists realised that humanity was causing a hole in the ozone layer through the use of aerosols and other ozone-depleting gases.

This hole could cause significant damage, including increases in skin cancer, cataracts, and damaged ecosystems.

Without the treaty in place, it was estimated that ozone depletion would be ten times worse by 2050 than what has been achieved.

Compared to levels in 1990, 98% of ozone-depleting substances have been removed from the atmosphere and greenhouse gases have been reduced by 11 gigatons a year.

So today is a mark of celebration and a symbol of what the world can achieve when working in harmony since the signing of the Montreal Protocol 36 years ago.

Ryan Hathaway
More on the topic
dennis oswald selfie supercell stormchaser
Wednesday 16 July 2025

Storm chaser's Blog

USA - Alone with the supercell
Friday 18 July 2025

Stormy for UK & Ireland

Pressure systems protecting Europe
Split image showing storm clouds over a coastal town on the left, and a circumzenithal arc on the right.
Sunday 13 July 2025

Your weather - Your shots

Summer warmth and sights
All weather news
This might also interest you
Weather map on the left showing heavy rain over the UK and Ireland. Wind map on the right shows strong gusting winds over Ireland, Wales, and England, strongest in the south.
Tuesday 15 July 2025

Breakfast brief

Wet, gusty, with thundery potential
A temperature and weather radar of the UK and Ireland showing hot temperatures with clear, sunny skies.
Friday 11 July 2025

Breakfast brief

A hot and sunny outlook
Monday 7 July 2025

Breakfast brief

Broadly dry, cooler start to the week
All articles
Weather & Radar

www.weatherandradar.ie

facebooktwitteryouTubeContact uslinkList
Privacy Policy | Legal info | Accessibility statement