Although the Earth depends on the energy and warmth of the sun for life to survive, it’s important that the planet doesn’t receive the full force of the sun. If the Earth were to receive the full force of the sun, then it wouldn’t be possible for life to exist. That’s where the ozone layer comes into play. This layer of gas protects our planet from the harmful rays of the sun while letting the good energy come through. That’s why it’s important for all of us to preserve the ozone layer, and we can start doing that by observing International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer on September 16th.

The History of International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

On December 19, 2000, the United Nations General Assembly declared September 16 to be designated as International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. However, this was only the official declaration of this holiday, and this day had actually been proclaimed as far back as 1994. The holiday commemorates the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, which was signed on September 16, 1987.

Observing International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

This day is observed both officially and unofficially by educators, environmental groups, and individuals all over the world. Teachers observe it by organizing classroom activities around the topics of climate change and ozone depletion. Environmental groups use it as a day to raise attention about various things that are affecting the environment, and private citizens celebrate it by learning more about how they can help preserve the environment. People also use the hashtag #InternationalDayForThePreservationOfTheOzoneLayer on their social media accounts.