World Ozone Day is celebrated all around the world on September 16 every year to spread awareness about the depletion of ozone layer and urge people to take necessary actions to preserve it. World Ozone Day is celebrated on September 16 every year since,1994. The ozone layer is a protective layer present in Earth’s stratosphere that absorbs most of the Sun’s ultraviolet radiation and protects the earths atmosphere and makes it liveable for all living beings. The harmful ultra violet radiation coming from the sun is very harmful and these rays can cause numerous skin diseases. This year is the 35th year of celebrating World Ozone Day, to bring awareness on the depletion of Ozone layer. The ozone layer was discovered in 1913 by the French physicists Charles Fabry and Henri Buisson.
We all know that Life on Earth would be impossible without sunlight. But the energy emanating from the sun would be too much for life on Earth to thrive were it not for the ozone layer. But the ozone layer makes life possible by stopping the UV ray’s from entering to earth’s atmosphere.
Under the Convention’s Montreal Protocol – governments, scientists and industries worked together to cut out 99 per cent of all ozone-depleting substances. Now the ozone layer is healing and expected to return to pre-1980 values by mid-century, thanks to the Montreal Protocol. In support of the Protocol, the Kigali Amendment, which came into force in 2019, will work towards reducing hydrofluorocarbon (HFCs), greenhouse gases with powerful climate warming potential and damaging to the environment. In this article we will discuss about World Ozone Day 2020 – Theme, Observation, Quiz.
Download Entri and get free GK Quiz and boost competitive exam preparation
World Ozone Day 2020 – History
In the late 1970’s scientists discovered that humanity was creating a hole in the protective shield ozone layer, this raised alarm. The hole was caused by ozone-depleting gases (ODSs) used in aerosols and cooling, such as refrigerators and air-conditioners .This was threatening to increase cases of skin cancer and cataracts, and damage plants, crops, and ecosystems. In 1985, the world’s governments adopted the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer.
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed on 19th December, 1994,that 16th September to be celebrated as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. The date 16th September was selected in commemoration of the day on which the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was signed in 1987, September 16.
On September 16, 1987, the United Nations and 45 other countries signed the Montreal Protocol, on substances that deplete the Ozone layer. The purpose of the Montreal Protocol is to protect the Ozone layer by reducing the production of substances that are supposed to be responsible for the depletion of Ozone layer.
World Ozone Day 2020 – Theme
- The theme of World Ozone Day 2020 is ‘Ozone for life’. This slogan not only reminds us that ozone layer is very crucial for life on Earth to be possible but also,it’s our duty to continue preserving ozone layer for future generation also. This year, we celebrate 35 years of global ozone layer protection.
- The theme of World Ozone Day 2019 is ’32 years and Healing’.
How World Ozone Day 2020 is Observed?
People/Communities around the globe celebrates World Ozone Day by conducting various activities such as seminars,discussions related to depletion of ozone layer- causes and how to peserve it etc. to bring awareness about depletion of ozone layer.
What we can do to stop depletion of ozone layer?
Gases like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), halons, methyl bromide, carbon tetrachloride, hydrobromofluorocarbons, chlorobromomethane, and methyl chloroform etc. contributes in formation of holes in the Ozone Layer. It is our duty as human beings tomake earthabetter place tolive byreducing the use of these gases. Following steps are recommended by government organizations to help preserve the Ozone layer-
- Buy air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment that do not use HCFCs as refrigerant i.e, ozone friendly products.
- Buy aerosol products that do not use HCFCs or CFCs as propellants.
- Conduct regular inspection and maintenance of air-conditioning and refrigeration appliances to prevent and minimize refrigerant leakage.
- For existing air-conditioning and refrigeration appliances that operate on HCFCs or CFCs, the refrigerant should be recovered or recycled whenever an overhaul of equipment is to be carried out. Replacing or retrofitting such equipment to operate on non-HCFCs refrigerant should also be considered.
- When motor vehicle air-conditioners need servicing, make sure that the refrigerants are properly recovered and recycled instead of being vented to the atmosphere.
Download Entri and get free monthly current affairs capsule and boost competitive exam preparation
World Ozone Day 2020 – Quiz
1. Who discovered the Ozone Layer?
a) Charles Fabry and Henri Buisson
b) Stephen Hawking
c) G.M.B Dobson
d)Carl Sagan & Charles Fabry
Answer: a
2. When is World Ozone Day celebrated?
a) October 20
b)December 19
c) September 16
d) September 20
Answer: c
3. when was hole in ozone layer discovered first?
a) 1985
b) 1887
c) 1970
d) 1975
Answer: c
4. Which of the following is ozone depleting gases?
a) Chlorofluorocarbons(CFCs),
b) Nitrogen
c) Carbon dioxide
d) Methane
Answer: a
5. What is the average concentration of ozone in the ozone layer of the atmosphere?
a) 10- 20 ppm
b) more than 10 ppm
c) Less than 10 ppm
d) None of the above
Answer: c
Download Entri and get free mock tests for various competitive exams
6. What range of wavelengths of sun’s radiation is absorbed by ozone layer?
a) 100 nm – 200 nm
b) 200 nm – 315nm
c) 300 nm – 320 nm
d) 200 nm – 350 nm
Answer: b
7. Who discovered formation of ozone from photochemical reactions?
a) Sydney Chapman
b) CarlSagan
c) G.M.B Dobson
d) Henry Buisson
Answer: c
8. Which Protocoal is related to ozone layer depletion?
a) Kyoto Protocol
b) Montreal Protocol
c) Environmental protocol
d) none of the above
Answer: b
9. In which part of atmosphere, ozone layer is present?
a) Troposphere
B)Mesosphere
c) Ionosphere
d)Stratosphere
Answer: d
10. Which of the following devices is used to measure ozone in the stratosphere from ground?
a) Photometer
b) Spectrometer
c)Barometer
d) Spectrophotometer
Answer: d
How you can use Entri app for your exam preparation:
- Entri provides an online platform to help you prepare for competitive exams.
- Download for free of cost and get access to video classes, exams and study cards with a single subscription fee.
- You can access full length mock tests and previous year question papers.
Hope you have benefited from this article. Check us for further details. Entri wishes you all the best for your upcoming exams
