Ozone, what?
- At 15-30km above earth’s surface, high ozone concentration forms Ozone Layer
- It absorbs 97-99% of UV (200-315nm wavelength)
- Detrimental to life on earth
Hmm, so why Sept 16?
September 16, 1987: Montreal Protocol signed
What’s Montreal Protocol? International Protocol pledging to eliminate the Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS)
What are ODS?
Man made chemicals like:
⭕️ Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs
⭕️ Hydro CFCs
⭕️ Halons
⭕️ Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4)
⭕️ Methyl Bromide
⭕️ Methyl Chloroform etc.
Oh! How do they damage the Ozone?
⭕️ Chlorine (Cl) & Bromine (Br), when in contact with Ozone, destroy Ozone Molecules.
⭕️ One Cl radicle can easily destroy 100k ozone molecules before its removal from stratosphere
Shit. What are other harms?
⭕️ Food security (both terrestrial and marine)
- UV rays, if unchecked by Ozone, can damage crops or reduce yields.
- Phytoplanktons are at threat from UV
⭕️ Human Health
UV exposure can lead to diseases like:
- Skin Cancer
- Cataract etc.
Closing note
- Since 1987, #MontrealProtocol ensured elimination of 98% ODS
- Theme for 2022 (35 yrs of Montreal)
“Global Cooperation Protecting Life on Earth”
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