International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

September 16 was designated by the United Nations General Assembly as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.
This designation was made on December 19, 1994, in commemoration of the date, in 1987, on which nations signed the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.
The day is mainly intended to spread awareness of the depletion of the Ozone Layer and search for solutions to preserve it. World Ozone Day is also celebrated all around the world. Educators usually set aside this day to teach their students about the Ozone layer and many schools organize special events and activities to raise awareness. This is one event that everyone can experience and enjoy together.
In response to the prospect of increasing ozone depletion, the governments of the world crafted the 1987 United Nations Montreal Protocol as an international means to address this global issue. As a result of the broad compliance with the Protocol and its Amendments and Adjustments and, of great significance, industry’s development of “ozone-friendly” substitutes for the now-controlled chemicals, the total global accumulation of ODSs has slowed and begun to decrease. In response, global ozone depletion is no longer increasing. Now, with continued compliance, we expect substantial recovery of the ozone layer by the late 21st century. The day the Montreal Protocol was agreed upon, 16 September, is now celebrated as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.
ODSs are manufactured halogen source gases that are controlled worldwide by the Montreal Protocol. These gases bring chlorine and bromine atoms to the stratosphere, where they destroy ozone in chemical reactions. Important examples are the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), once used in almost all refrigeration and air conditioning systems, and the halons, which were used in fire extinguishers. Current ODS abundances in the atmosphere are known directly from air sample measurements.
Since the ozone layer absorbs UVB ultraviolet light from the sun, ozone layer depletion increases surface UVB levels (all else equal), which could lead to damage, including increase in skin cancer, weakens the immune system, reduces the harvest crops and destroys the biological diversity worldwide. Additionally, SDO are also greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming.
Even if countries will continue to honor their commitments to the Protocol, the ozone hole over Antarctica will scar down the middle of this century.
The Montreal Protocol and its Amendments and Adjustments have been very successful in reducing the atmospheric abundance of ozone-depleting substances (ODSs). Certain industrial processes and consumer products result in the emission of ozone-depleting substances (ODSs) to the atmosphere. If the nations of the world continue to comply with the provisions of the Montreal Protocol, the decrease will continue throughout the 21st century.
What is being done towards complying with the obligations under the Montreal Protocol?
– Adjusting national legislative and regulatory framework with relevant international law;
– Improving data reporting on the import and consumption of ODSs, products and equipment containing ODSs;
– Organize mandatory training courses for technicians in refrigeration and air conditioning systems and provision of available tools / instruments;
– Development/procurement of professional training materials; Develop technical criteria (theoretical and practical requirements), adjusted with EU regulations for training of specialists in the refrigeration servicing and air conditioning;
– Development/procurement of professional training materials; Update the Code of good practices in refrigeration and air conditioning;
– Strengthen the capacity of the Customs Service: Development/procurement professional of training materials; Update Guide for customs officers; Theoretical and practical training of customs staff/ brokers; Equipping customs service with refrigerant identifiers.
– Education, information and public awareness; Strengthening the capabilities of Refrigeration Public Association in Moldova by supporting the creation and maintenance of a web page, organizing seminars on alternatives to HCFCs and equipment maintenance practices and upgrading of equipment for training purposes.