World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) released 2nd Edition of WMO Ozone and UV Bulletin | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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    World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) released 2nd Edition of WMO Ozone and UV Bulletin

    Posted 17 Sep 2024

    2 min read

    The release of the Bulletin coincides with World Ozone Day (16 September). 

    • World Ozone Day celebrates the implementation of the Montreal Protocol and the later amendment to the pact, known as the Kigali Agreement.
    • Theme for this year is Montreal Protocol: Advancing Climate Actions.

    Key findings 

    • The ozone layer is recovering, with ozone-depleting substances (ODS) decreasing. 
      • Full recovery to 1980 levels is expected by 2066 over Antarctica; by 2045 over the Arctic and by 2040 for the rest of the world. 
    • The Kigali Amendment could potentially reduce global heating by 0.5°C by 2100.

    About Ozone Layer

    • The ozone layer is found at a height of around 15 to 30 km (stratosphere) is produced naturally by the interaction of solar ultraviolet light with molecular oxygen (O2). 
    • Depletion: Ozone depletion occurs through chemical reactions involving ODS such as Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), Halons, etc. 
      • Ozone hole are mainly found in Antarctica, which is accelerated by stratospheric clouds that provide surfaces for these reactions.
      • Ozone hole refers to areas or regions harmed by damaging UV radiations.
    • Impacts of depletion: Human health (Increased skin cancer risk); Plant life (disrupted growth, development); Marine ecosystems (reduced phytoplankton survival), etc.

    Initiatives Taken

    • Global
      • Vienna Convention (1885) and its Montreal Protocol (1987): The landmark multilateral environmental agreement that regulates the production and consumption of man-made chemicals referred to as ODS.
        •  India is a party (1992)
      • The Kigali Amendment: Decision made to phase down Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in 2016, in Kigali, Rwanda.
    • India 
      • India launched the Cooling Action Plan in 2019 to address cooling demand, refrigerants, and energy efficiency.
      • India has phased out Chlorofluorocarbons, Carbon tetrachloride, Halons, Methyl Bromide and Methyl Chloroform

     

    • Tags :
    • Ozone
    • Montreal Protocol
    • Vienna Convention
    • Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
    • Kigali Agreement
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