Have you ever stood under a clear sky, feeling the warm sunlight on your skin, and suddenly wondered—what protects us from excessive heat and harmful rays of the sun? The answer lies in the ozone layer, an invisible shield that protects life on Earth.
However, a few decades ago, the world was shocked by alarming news: our ozone layer was thinning. Human-made chemicals such as CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), commonly used in cooling systems and aerosols, were found to damage this vital layer. According to Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK), these substances are stable at ground level. Still, once they reach the stratosphere, ultraviolet radiation breaks them down, releasing chlorine atoms that destroy ozone molecules.
Imagine if this protective shield were to vanish—skin cancer rates would rise, our eyes would be more vulnerable to cataracts, and marine ecosystems, where plankton thrive, would be severely disrupted.
This is why, on September 16, 1987, countries around the world came together and signed the Montreal Protocol, a global agreement to phase out the production of ozone-depleting substances. Since 1994, this date has been celebrated annually as World Ozone Day (International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer).
The good news is, this global effort has shown remarkable results. Governments, scientists, and industries have worked together to eliminate 99% of substances that harm the ozone layer. Thanks to the implementation of the Montreal Protocol, the ozone layer is now on a path to restoration. Experts estimate that, if these efforts continue consistently, the ozone layer could fully heal between 2030 and 2060, depending on the region.
Photo: Sheeltechnologies
While the ozone layer is slowly healing, our fight is far from over. Today, the world faces a new challenge: climate change. After successfully phasing out CFCs, a new threat has emerged in the form of HFCs (Hydrofluorocarbons). These substances do not harm the ozone layer but are extremely potent greenhouse gases with a high warming potential.
Greenhouse gases naturally exist in the atmosphere and play a crucial role in absorbing and reflecting infrared radiation emitted from the Earth’s surface. This process, known as the greenhouse effect, helps maintain the planet’s temperature, keeping it warm and habitable.
However, excessive emissions from human activities have caused a dramatic increase in these gases, intensifying the natural greenhouse effect and driving global warming.
According to Climate TRACE, the major greenhouse gases contributing to global warming include Carbon dioxide (CO₂), Methane (CH₄), Nitrous oxide (N₂O), and Fluorinated gases such as HFCs. CO₂ levels in the atmosphere have reached the highest point in human history, now exceeding 420 ppm. Methane is about 80 times more potent than CO₂ in causing warming over 20 years, while Nitrous oxide has a warming effect roughly 300 times stronger than CO₂. Meanwhile, Fluorinated gases, commonly found in cooling systems and air conditioners, also play a significant role in driving global temperature increases.
Photo: Wikipedia
The Geneva Environment Network highlights that gradually phasing down HFCs could prevent global temperatures from rising by up to 0.5°C by 2100 while continuing to protect the ozone layer. This effort is part of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which focuses on global regulation of HFC use and production.
This year, the UNEP/Ozone Secretariat has chosen the theme “From Science to Global Action”. It reminds us that protecting the ozone layer is not just about safeguarding the atmosphere—it’s about protecting human health, food security, marine ecosystems, and the future of generations to come.
Photo: UNEP/Ozone Secretariat
This is where our role comes in. Protecting the environment is not solely the government’s responsibility—it begins with our daily choices. From reducing personal vehicle use by switching to public transport or cycling, to limiting air conditioning use and improving household energy efficiency, these small actions can collectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as noted by the Environmental and Sanitation Department of Badung Regency.
Small daily actions like using less single-use plastic, following the steps to reduce, reuse, and recycle, and adding more green areas by planting trees can make a big difference. These simple habits not only help keep our environment cleaner but also help take in extra carbon dioxide from the air, making them both useful and important things for everyone to do.
Equally important, we can support the ozone layer by choosing eco-friendly products, such as CFC-free air conditioners, and voicing support for government policies that ban the import and use of ozone-depleting substances. As RRI once emphasized, protecting the ozone layer is like caring for a newborn—it requires ongoing attention to ensure this natural shield remains strong and resilient.
Now, under the theme “From Science to Global Action”, World Ozone Day 2025 serves as a powerful reminder that safeguarding our planet requires action at every level. Global policies are essential, but real change begins with individuals willing to take part.
We have the opportunity to be part of a global success story—one where collective action protects the sky above us. Don’t wait for someone else to act first; be a catalyst for change and help keep our skies clear and blue.
Let’s make World Ozone Day not just a date on the calendar, but a turning point for a lasting commitment to protect our planet. Because Earth doesn’t need spectators—it demands real changemakers ready to defend its future.
Writer: Novi Wiji Lestari
Editor: Diyah Deviyanti
References:
- Climate TRACE. (n.d.). Understanding greenhouse gases. Retrieved September 3, 2025, from https://climatetrace.org/news/understanding-greenhouse-gases
- Dinas Lingkungan Hidup dan Kehutanan Kabupaten Badung. (n.d.). 7 upaya menanggulangi pemanasan global – penyebab dan dampaknya. Retrieved September 3, 2025, from https://dislhk.badungkab.go.id/artikel/18343-7-upaya-menanggulangi-pemanasan-global-penyebab-dan-dampaknya
- Geneva Environment Network. (2024, September 8). International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. Retrieved September 3, 2025, from https://www.genevaenvironmentnetwork.org/resources/updates/international-day-for-the-preservation-of-the-ozone-layer/
- RRI. (n.d.). Merawat lapisan ozon seperti merawat bayi. Retrieved September 3, 2025, from https://rri.co.id/iptek/978391/merawat-lapisan-ozon-seperti-merawat-bayi
- Sihite, R. T. (n.d.). Bahan perusak ozon (BPO): Apa dan bagaimana penanganannya. Sistem Informasi B3 & POPs, Kementerian Lingkungan Hidup dan Kehutanan. Retrieved September 1, 2025, from https://sib3pop.menlhk.go.id/index.php/articles/view?slug=bahan-perusak-ozon-bpo-apa-dan-bagaimana-penanganannya.
- United Nations. (n.d.). Ozone Day. Retrieved September 1, 2025, from https://www.un.org/en/observances/ozone-day
- United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (n.d.). From science to global action. Retrieved September 3, 2025, from https://ozone.unep.org/ozone-day/from-science-to-global-action
- Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Gas rumah kaca. In Wikipedia Bahasa Indonesia. Retrieved September 3, 2025, from https://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas_rumah_kaca
Photo:
- Sheel Technologies. (n.d.). World Ozone Day 2025 [Photograph]. Sheel Technologies, Retrieved September 3, 2025, from https://sheeltechnologies.com/world-ozone-day-2025/
- United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (n.d.). From science to global action [Photograph]. Retrieved September 3, 2025, from https://ozone.unep.org/ozone-day/from-science-to-global-action
- Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Efek rumah kaca [Picture]. In Gas rumah kaca. Retrieved September 3, 2025, from https://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas_rumah_kaca