"As
we look forward to the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,
and the effort by governments later this year in Paris to forge a new,
collective path forward on climate change, the Montreal Protocol’s success
should inspire us. It shows what we are capable of when nations act together on
a global challenge."
Secretary-General's Message on the International Day for the Preservation
of the Ozone Layer
16 September 2015
2015 Theme: 30 Years of Healing the Ozone Together –
"Ozone: All there is between you and UV.”
In 1994, the UN General Assembly
proclaimed 16 September the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone
Layer, commemorating the date of the signing, in 1987, of the Montreal Protocol
on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (resolution 49/114).
States were invited to devote the
Day to promote activities in accordance with the objectives of the Protocol and
its amendments. 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 Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer,
an important milestone in the protection of the ozone layer. The theme for the
celebration of the anniversary and this year’s International Day for the
Preservation of the Ozone Layer to be marked on 16 September is, “30 years of
healing the ozone together.” The theme is supported by the slogan, “Ozone: All
there is between you and UV.”
