International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

Every September 16, the UN draws attention to the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.

The ozone layer is extremely important as it protects the Earth from the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, reduces the risk of skin cancer and eye damage in humans, and protects plants, animals and marine organisms from UV radiation damage. It serves as a natural shield protecting life on Earth.

The theme of the activities dedicated to this day for 2026 is “Global action for a cooler planet”.

It has been established that a number of widely used chemicals are extremely harmful to the ozone layer. The scientific confirmation of the destruction of the ozone layer prompted the international community to create a cooperation mechanism to take action to protect the ozone layer, through various conventions such as the Vienna Convention, the Montreal Protocol, the Kigali Amendment and others. The aim of these agreements is to limit and eliminate substances that damage the ozone layer.

The Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol became the first treaties in UN history to be ratified globally on September 16, 2009.