{"id":1369,"date":"2025-09-16T08:28:13","date_gmt":"2025-09-16T01:28:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/seasoldier.org\/?p=1369"},"modified":"2025-12-02T07:25:04","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T00:25:04","slug":"world-ozone-day-from-crisis-to-hope-our-action-for-blue-skies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/seasoldier.org\/index.php\/2025\/09\/16\/world-ozone-day-from-crisis-to-hope-our-action-for-blue-skies\/","title":{"rendered":"World Ozone Day: From Crisis to Hope, Our Action for Blue Skies"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

Have you ever stood under a clear sky, feeling the warm sunlight on your skin, and suddenly wondered\u2014what 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, a few decades ago, the world was shocked by alarming news: our ozone layer was thinning. Human-made chemicals such as <\/span>CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons)<\/b>, commonly used in cooling systems and aerosols, were found to damage this vital layer. According to Indonesia\u2019s <\/span>Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK)<\/b><\/a>, 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Imagine if this protective shield were to vanish\u2014skin cancer rates would rise, our eyes would be more vulnerable to cataracts, and marine ecosystems, where plankton thrive, would be severely disrupted.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is why, on <\/span>September 16, 1987<\/b>, countries around the world came together and signed the <\/span>Montreal Protocol<\/b>, a global agreement to phase out the production of ozone-depleting substances. Since 1994, this date has been celebrated annually as <\/span>World Ozone Day (International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer)<\/b><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The good news is, this global effort has shown remarkable results. Governments, scientists, and industries have worked together to eliminate <\/span>99% of substances<\/b> 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 <\/span>2030 and 2060<\/b>, depending on the region.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Photo: Sheeltechnologies<\/a><\/p>\n

While the ozone layer is slowly healing, our fight is far from over. Today, the world faces a <\/span>new challenge: climate change<\/b>. After successfully phasing out CFCs, a new threat has emerged in the form of <\/span>HFCs (Hydrofluorocarbons)<\/b>. These substances do not harm the ozone layer but are extremely potent <\/span>greenhouse gases<\/b><\/a> with a high warming potential.<\/span><\/p>\n

Greenhouse gases naturally exist in the atmosphere and play a crucial role in <\/span>absorbing and reflecting infrared radiation emitted from the Earth’s surface. This process, known as the <\/span>greenhouse effect<\/b>, helps maintain the planet\u2019s temperature, keeping it warm and habitable.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, excessive emissions from human activities have caused a dramatic increase in these gases, intensifying the natural greenhouse effect and driving <\/span>global warming<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to <\/span>Climate TRACE<\/span><\/a>, the major greenhouse gases contributing to global warming include <\/span>Carbon dioxide (CO\u2082)<\/b>, <\/span>Methane (CH\u2084)<\/b>, <\/span>Nitrous oxide (N\u2082O)<\/b>, and <\/span>Fluorinated gases<\/b> such as <\/span>HFCs<\/b>. <\/span>CO\u2082<\/b> levels in the atmosphere have reached the highest point in human history, now exceeding 420 ppm. <\/span>Methane<\/b> is about 80 times more potent than CO\u2082 in causing warming over 20 years, while <\/span>Nitrous oxide<\/b> has a warming effect roughly 300 times stronger than CO\u2082. Meanwhile, <\/span>Fluorinated gases<\/b>, commonly found in cooling systems and air conditioners, also play a significant role in driving global temperature increases.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Photo: Wikipedia<\/a><\/p>\n

The <\/span>Geneva Environment Network<\/b><\/a> highlights that gradually phasing down HFCs could <\/span>prevent global temperatures from rising by up to 0.5\u00b0C by 2100<\/b> while continuing to protect the ozone layer. This effort is part of the <\/span>Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol<\/b>, which focuses on global regulation of HFC use and production.<\/span><\/p>\n

This year, the <\/span>UNEP\/Ozone Secretariat<\/b><\/a> has chosen the theme <\/span>\u201cFrom Science to Global Action\u201d<\/b>. It reminds us that protecting the ozone layer is not just about safeguarding the atmosphere\u2014it\u2019s about protecting <\/span>human health, food security, marine ecosystems, and the future of generations to come<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Photo: UNEP\/Ozone Secretariat<\/a><\/p>\n

This is where our role comes in. Protecting the environment is not solely the government\u2019s responsibility\u2014it begins with <\/span>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 <\/span>Environmental and Sanitation Department of Badung Regency<\/b><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Equally important, we can support the ozone layer by <\/span>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 <\/span>RRI<\/b><\/a> once emphasized, protecting the ozone layer is like caring for a newborn\u2014it requires ongoing attention to ensure this natural shield remains strong and resilient.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, under the theme <\/span>\u201cFrom Science to Global Action\u201d<\/b>, <\/span>World Ozone Day 2025<\/b> serves as a powerful reminder that safeguarding our planet requires action at every level. Global policies are essential, but <\/span>real change begins with individuals<\/b> willing to take part.<\/span><\/p>\n

We have the opportunity to be part of a <\/span>global success story<\/b>\u2014one where collective action protects the sky above us. Don\u2019t wait for someone else to act first; be a catalyst for change and help keep our skies clear and blue.<\/span><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s make World Ozone Day not just a date on the calendar, but <\/span>a turning point for a lasting commitment<\/b> to protect our planet. Because Earth doesn\u2019t need spectators\u2014it demands real changemakers ready to defend its future.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Writer:<\/b> Novi Wiji Lestari<\/span>
\n<\/span> Editor:<\/b> Diyah Deviyanti<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

References:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Climate TRACE. (n.d.). Understanding greenhouse gases<\/em>. Retrieved September 3, 2025, from<\/span> https:\/\/climatetrace.org\/news\/understanding-greenhouse-gases<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
  2. Dinas Lingkungan Hidup dan Kehutanan Kabupaten Badung. (n.d.). 7 upaya menanggulangi pemanasan global \u2013 penyebab dan dampaknya<\/em>. Retrieved September 3, 2025, from<\/span> https:\/\/dislhk.badungkab.go.id\/artikel\/18343-7-upaya-menanggulangi-pemanasan-global-penyebab-dan-dampaknya<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Geneva Environment Network. (2024, September 8). International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. <\/em>Retrieved September 3, 2025, from<\/span> https:\/\/www.genevaenvironmentnetwork.org\/resources\/updates\/international-day-for-the-preservation-of-the-ozone-layer\/<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. RRI. (n.d.). Merawat lapisan ozon seperti merawat bayi<\/em>. Retrieved September 3, 2025, from <\/span>https:\/\/rri.co.id\/iptek\/978391\/merawat-lapisan-ozon-seperti-merawat-bayi<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
  5. Sihite, R. T. (n.d.). Bahan perusak ozon (BPO): Apa dan bagaimana penanganannya<\/em>. Sistem Informasi B3 & POPs, Kementerian Lingkungan Hidup dan Kehutanan. Retrieved September 1, 2025, from<\/span> https:\/\/sib3pop.menlhk.go.id\/index.php\/articles\/view?slug=bahan-perusak-ozon-bpo-apa-dan-bagaimana-penanganannya<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n
  6. United Nations. (n.d.). Ozone Day. <\/em>Retrieved September 1, 2025, from <\/span>https:\/\/www.un.org\/en\/observances\/ozone-day<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  7. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (n.d.). From science to global action<\/em>.\u00a0Retrieved September 3, 2025, from<\/span> https:\/\/ozone.unep.org\/ozone-day\/from-science-to-global-action<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  8. Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Gas rumah kaca<\/em>. In Wikipedia Bahasa Indonesia<\/em>. Retrieved September 3, 2025, from <\/span>https:\/\/id.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gas_rumah_kaca<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Photo:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Sheel Technologies. (n.d.). World Ozone Day 2025<\/em> [Photograph]. Sheel Technologies, Retrieved September 3, 2025, from<\/span> https:\/\/sheeltechnologies.com\/world-ozone-day-2025\/<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
    2. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (n.d.). From science to global action<\/em> [Photograph]. Retrieved September 3, 2025, from<\/span> https:\/\/ozone.unep.org\/ozone-day\/from-science-to-global-action<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
    3. Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Efek rumah kaca<\/em> [Picture]. In Gas rumah kaca<\/em>. Retrieved September 3, 2025, from<\/span> https:\/\/id.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gas_rumah_kaca<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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