The United Nations observes 16th September every year as International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. The ozone layer is a fragile shield of gas which protects the Earth from the harmful portion of the rays of the sun and thus help in preserving life on the planet.
The theme of the day for 2020: “Ozone for life: 35 years of ozone layer protection”. It marks 35 years of the Vienna Convention.
History:
The day was designated by the United Nations General Assembly on December 19, 2000, to commemorate the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in 1987.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- United Nations Environment Programme Headquarters location: Nairobi, Kenya.
- United Nations Environment Programme Head: Inger Andersen.
- United Nations Environment Programme Founded: 5 June 1972.