The International Ozone Day will be observed here today (Saturday) as elsewhere in the world for creating awareness about depletion of the ozone layer and its adverse effects on this planet’s environment, reports UNB. Since 1995, the day has been observed every year on September 16 as per the decision of UN General Assembly adopted on December 19, 1994 in order to raise awareness about the damage being done to the ozone layer through chlorofluorocarbon emissions. The theme of this year is ‘Caring for all life under the sun’. The Environment Department and the Ministry of Forest and Environment have chalked out elaborate programmes to observe the day.

The Environment Department will arrange a seminar at Ban Bhaban, Agargaon, in the capital marking the Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer’.

Forest and Environment Minister Anwar Hossain Manju will speak at the seminar. The ozone layer, a fragile shield of gas, protects the earth from the harmful portion of the rays of the sun, thus helping preserve life on the planet. The phaseout of controlled uses of ozone depleting substances and the related reductions have not only helped protect the ozone layer for this and future generations, but have also contributed significantly to global efforts to address climate change; furthermore, it has protected human health and ecosystems by limiting the harmful ultraviolet radiation from reaching the earth.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Montreal Protocol. As part of the anniversary celebrations, the Ozone Secretariat has launched a communication campaign ahead of the Ozone Day to create awareness about the protection of ozone layer.