September 16, marks World Ozone Day 2025 under the theme “From Science to Global Action.” It highlights a celebration of environmental progress and a warning that the work is not finished as yet. The ozone layer is a thin shield of gas located 10 to 50 kilometers above Earth’s surface in the stratosphere, which is the second major layer of the atmosphere, sitting above the troposphere and extending up to 50 kilometers. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, it acts as a natural shield by absorbing most of the sun’s ultraviolet-B radiation which is a high-energy wavelength of light that can cause skin cancer, cataracts, immune suppression, and DNA damage. Crops such as rice and soybeans are also vulnerable as excessive UV-B can reduce yields and threaten food security.
A 50-Year Journey From Ozone Crisis to Cooperation
In the 1970s, scientists Mario Molina and F. Sherwood Rowland discovered that chlorofluorocarbons, which are chemicals used in aerosol sprays, refrigerators, and foam-blowing agents, were breaking down ozone molecules. For example, a single chlorine atom from a CFC molecule can destroy over 100,000 ozone molecules before being neutralized. The discovery of the Antarctic ozone hole in 1985 confirmed the threat.
According to the United Nations Environment Program, nations responded through the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol. These agreements phased out the majority of ozone-depleting substances. Everyday items such as hairsprays, refrigerators, and air conditioners were redesigned to eliminate CFCs and similar chemicals. This stands as one of the examples of science guiding global policy.
Evidence Of Ozone Healing And New Risks
According to the World Meteorological Organization, the ozone layer is on track to recover to 1980 levels by 2040 globally, by 2045 in the Arctic, and by 2066 over Antarctica. Yet global challenges remain, moreover, hydrofluorocarbons which is the main substitutes for CFCs, do not deplete ozone but are extremely potent greenhouse gases, with warming potentials thousands of times higher than CO₂. HFCs are used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and aerosols. We can help reduce HFCs in several ways. Choosing low global warming potential appliances that use alternatives like propane or CO₂ ensures that households and businesses cut their climate impact from cooling. Supporting Kigali-compliant policies also drives industries toward cleaner technologies, scaling solutions beyond individual choices. Improving efficiency in cooling systems reduces leaks, lowers energy use, and extends product life, creating both environmental and financial savings.
From Ozone Protection To Climate Action
The next frontier is connecting ozone protection with climate action. According to the UN Secretary-General, full implementation of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol could prevent up to 0.5°C of global warming by the end of the century. If paired with energy-efficient cooling, the avoided warming could nearly double.
World Ozone Day proves that global cooperation works. Thanks to science-driven policy, the ozone layer is healing and humanity avoided a public health catastrophe. Climate change now demands the same urgency. Every fraction of a degree matters. Every action counts, whether reducing HFCs, investing in sustainable cooling, or holding governments accountable for climate commitments.
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