September 16
International Day for the Protection of the Ozone Layer
The origin of this day dates back to September 16, 1987, when the world-famous Montreal Protocol was signed. Its goal is to limit the long-term release of chemicals that destroy the ozone layer into the atmosphere. Thirty years after the signing of the Montreal Protocol, the gradual closing of the ozone hole has been observed. However, due to the chemical properties of the gases responsible for ozone depletion, it can be expected that their influence will continue for at least another 50 to 100 years.
The ozone layer helps to reduce the amount of harmful UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface, which can cause damage to the skin and eyes. The depletion of ozone in higher altitudes is directly related to the threat to the health of both humans and animals. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and its global observation network monitor the state of the ozone layer and the Antarctic ozone hole, which appears annually due to very low temperatures in the stratosphere and the presence of chemicals that contribute to ozone depletion. The Solar and Ozone Observatory in Hradec Králové is responsible for monitoring ozone in the Czech Republic. More information about the ozone hole can be found at httpscswikipediaorgwikiOzonovC3A1_dC3ADra.
