International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer 2025 – 16 September 2025

The United Nations (UN’s) International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, or World Ozone Day (WOD) or Global Ozone Day, is annually observed across the globe on 16th September to raise awareness about the significance of the ozone layer and the impact of its depletion, which contributes to global warming and climate change.

• 16th September 2025 marks the 31st observance of the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.

Theme: 

The theme for International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer 2025 is “From Science to Global Action.”

Background:

UNGA Resolution: On 19 December 1994, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted resolution A/RES/49/114, declaring 16 September of every year as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.

First Observation: The inaugural International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer was observed on 16 September 1995.

Why 16 September? The date 16 September marks the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in 1987.

About Ozone:

Nature and Role of Ozone: Ozone (O₃) is a colourless, odourless, and reactive gas, different from the oxygen (O₂) we breathe. Most ozone is in the stratosphere, where it absorbs harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays, protecting life on Earth.

Location: 15–50 kilometers (km) above Earth, absorbs harmful UV-B radiation.

Ozone Hole: The ozone hole is a region over Antarctica with very low ozone concentration. It is not a literal hole, but it weakens the ozone layer’s protection against UV radiation.

About Montreal Protocol:

Aim: To control global production and consumption of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) and eliminate them based on scientific and technological developments.

• Covers ~100 chemicals including Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), methyl bromide, and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4).

Exceptions: Limited use in critical sectors such as asthma inhalers (Metered Dose Inhalers, MDIs) and fire suppression systems.
Implementation: Achieved phase-out targets ahead of schedule in many cases; accelerated timelines for HCFCs (final phase-out by 2030 in developed and 2040 in developing countries).

Vienna Convention: 

Framework for Ozone Protection: The Vienna Convention, adopted on 22 March 1985 and effective from 1988, provides a legal and practical framework for protecting the Earth’s ozone layer and promotes international cooperation among 28 signatory countries.

Universal Ratification: On 16 September 2009, the Vienna Convention along with the Montreal Protocol, became the first UN treaties to be universally ratified by all countries.

Kigali Amendment:

Focus on HFC Reduction: The Kigali Amendment, agreed on 15 October 2016 at Kigali, Rwanda, under the Montreal Protocol, aims to gradually reduce HFCs used in refrigeration and air-conditioning.

Climate Impact: Full ratification and implementation of the amendment could help limit global warming by up to 0.5°C (degree Celsius) by the year 2100.

WMO Ozone and UV Bulletin 2025:

According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)’s WMO Ozone and UV Bulletin released in September 2025, the ozone layer is on track to recover in the coming decades, with the 2024 ozone hole smaller than in previous years, reflecting the effectiveness of international agreements like the Vienna Convention and Montreal Protocol.

• The Bulletin also emphasizes that continued monitoring of stratospheric ozone and UV radiation is essential to protect human health, ecosystems, and food production, with WMO’s Global Atmosphere Watch Programme providing crucial data, analysis, and capacity-building support.

2025 Events in India:

MoEFCC Celebrates 31st World Ozone Day 2025

On 16 September 2025, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) organised the 31st World Ozone Day in New Delhi, Delhi.

Event Dignitaries: 

Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC); Tanmay Kumar Secretary (MoEF&CC); Angela Lusigi, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in India; Rajat Agarwal, Joint Secretary (MoEFCC) were also present at the event.

India’s Cooling Leadership:

Bhupendra Yadav, MoEF&CC, announced that India became one of the first countries globally to implement a Cooling Action Plan.

• India has achieved a 67.5% reduction in the production and use of HFCs.

India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP, 2019): Launched under Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, demonstrates strong inter-ministerial and cross-sectoral coordination, aiming to reduce cooling demand by 20–25%, energy use by 25–40%, and refrigerant demand by 25–30% by 2037–38.

Montreal Protocol Success in India:

Success: Scientists and industries successfully eliminated 99% of ozone-depleting substances (ODS).

RAC Training Equipment for ITIs: The MoEFCC, in collaboration with Directorate General of Training (DGT), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), is providing Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) training equipment to 120 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across India.
Short Video Film Release: A short video on ‘RAC Training Equipment Support to ITIs’ was released to highlight the initiative and create awareness about skill development in refrigeration and air-conditioning.

Awareness Materials Release: Awareness materials on ozone protection were distributed to students and the public to educate them about the importance of safeguarding the ozone layer.

National Poster & Slogan Competitions: Online competitions for poster making and slogan writing were held for school children in collaboration with the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH).

Montreal Protocol Publication: The 27th edition of ‘The Montreal Protocol: India’s Success Story’ was released, showcasing India’s achievements in phasing out ozone-depleting substances.

India’s Achievements under the Montreal Protocol:

Early Phase-Out: CFCs, carbon tetrachloride, and halons phased out by 2010 ahead of schedule.
Policy Framework: ODS (Regulation & Control) Rules, 2000; banned CFCs and halons in new equipment by 2003.
Global Leadership: Advocated for developing nations; secured Multilateral Fund (MLF) in 1990.
HCFC Phase-Out: Met 2013 freeze and 2015 10% reduction targets under HCFC Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP) Stage-I.
RAC Sector Training: Over 20,000 technicians trained under National CFC Consumption Phase-out Plan (NCCoPP).
Ahead of Schedule: Ceased CFC production and consumption from 1 August 2008; phased out pharmaceutical CFCs by 2011.