Western Cape Environmental Affairs and Development Planning commemorates World Ozone Day

The Western Cape Government joins communities around the world in commemorating World Ozone Day, also known as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, on 16 September. The day serves as an important reminder of the vital role the ozone layer plays in protecting life on Earth, as well as what can be achieved when countries work together to address global environmental challenges. The ozone layer is a protective layer of gas that is found high up in the earth's atmosphere, about 15 to 35 kilometers above the earth’s surface. It contains relatively high concentrations of ozone and absorbs most of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, particularly UV-B and UV-C radiation. Without this natural protection, increased levels of harmful UV radiation would reach the Earth's surface, increasing risks to human health, including skin cancer and eye damage, while also affecting terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, agriculture and biodiversity. A global environmental success storyOzone depletion was largely driven by human-made chemicals known as ozone-depleting substances, including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which were historically used in products and equipment s