Each year on September 16, the world observes World Ozone Day — officially the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. In 2025, the theme is “From Science to Global Action.”
This theme highlights how scientific knowledge about ozone depletion has led, through policy, regulation, international treaties, and implementation, to tangible action worldwide. For India, it represents both a recognition of past progress and a challenge to carry forward commitments in the years ahead. Here’s what this theme means in the Indian context — including where India stands today, what it has achieved, what it still needs to do, and why it matters for public health, climate, ecosystems and sustainable development.
What Science Told Us: Ozone Depletion, Role of Ozone-Depleting Substances
- Scientific studies through the 1970s and 1980s established that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, and later hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) deplete the stratospheric ozone layer. The depletion allowed more ultraviolet (UV-B) radiation to reach Earth, increasing risks of skin cancer, cataracts, and damage to crops and ecosystems. The Vienna Convention (1985) and Montreal Protocol (1987) were founded on this evidence
- More recently, science has monitored recovery metrics: size of Antarctic ozone hole, atmospheric concentrations of ozone-depleting substances (ODS), UV indexes, and emergence of replacement technologies or chemicals
From Science to Global Action: International Frameworks & India’s Commitments
- The Montreal Protocol is widely regarded as one of the most successful environmental treaties. It has guided global efforts to phase out ODS, with various amendments including the Kigali Amendment (2016) to address hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which do not deplete ozone but are potent greenhouse gases.
- India is a party to these treaties and has undertaken national rules, regulations, and action plans to comply. Key among them is the HCFC Phase-Out Management Plan (HPMP). Under the HPMP, India committed to gradually phase out HCFCs, with targets on manufacturing and consumption, and to replace them with less harmful alternatives.
- According to a Mongabay explainer, as of 2024, India has phased out the use of HCFCs in new equipment manufacturing, fulfilling a major deadline under its Ozone Depleting Substances (Regulation and Control) Rules.
- India also achieved a reported 44% reduction in overall production of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) compared to baseline under HPMP Stage II, surpassing earlier targets in some areas.
What India Has Achieved So Far
- Phase-out in New Equipment Manufacturing
By end-2024, India completed the phase-out of HCFCs in the manufacture of new equipment, as mandated under national regulations. - Reduction in Ozone-Depleting Chemical Use
India has reduced its production or consumption of specific ODS. For example, HCFC-141b has been phased out and overall HCFC use has fallen substantially. - Regulatory Framework & International Cooperation
Implementation of ODS regulations, adherence to Montreal Protocol obligations, and participation in multilateral funding/technical support (for example from UNEP, UNDP) have helped India manage transitions.
What Still Needs to Be Done
“From Science to Global Action” implies not just policies but also effective implementation, monitoring, innovation, and public awareness. Some of the areas India needs to sustain and strengthen include:
- Managing HCFC Banks and HFC Growth
Though HCFC manufacturing reductions have progressed, existing stockpiles (“banks”) of HCFCs in refrigeration, air-conditioning, and foam sectors can still leak or be mismanaged. Also, HFCs, while not ozone-depleting, contribute to global warming. India must ensure compliance with the Kigali Amendment schedule, and ensure that alternatives are climate friendly.
Scientific measurements of emissions, atmospheric levels of ODS, UV‐radiation, etc., are essential to track recovery and detect new threats. Some studies (e.g. top-down estimates of halocarbon emissions from atmosphere samples) suggest that fugitive emissions remain. - Alternatives and Sustainable Technology
Transitioning to ozone-safe and climate-friendly refrigerants, improving energy efficiency, ensuring safe disposal of old appliances are critical parts of the action needed.
Laws are most effective when they are enforced, when stakeholders (industry, technicians, consumers) are aware of their roles, and when public awareness of UV risks and ozone protection is high.
Why This Matters for India — Significance & Impact
- Health: A healthier ozone layer means reduced UV-B radiation reaching ground level. That translates to lower risks of skin cancer, cataracts, and immune suppression, especially among vulnerable populations.
- Agriculture and Ecosystems: UV damage can reduce crop yields, affect phytoplankton (which forms the base of many aquatic food chains), and harm biodiversity. India, with its dependence on agriculture and rich ecosystems, is particularly exposed.
- Climate Co-benefits: Phasing out ODS often has climate benefits: many replacement substances or practices reduce greenhouse gas emissions (especially when replacing high GWP HFCs, increasing energy efficiency).
- International Commitments and Reputation: India has committed under global treaties. Effective action bolsters credibility, strengthens climate diplomacy, and enables access to international technical and financial support.
- Sustainable Development: Ozone protection aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): good health and well-being (SDG 3), climate action (SDG 13), sustainable industry (SDG 9), and life on land/water (SDGs 14 & 15).
What India Can Do Next — Actionable Steps
To fully live up to the “From Science to Global Action” theme, India can consider these steps:
- Faster implementation of the HCFC and HFC phase-downs, with support to industries to adopt safer alternatives.
- Invest in research and monitoring stations for emissions, UV index, and atmospheric ODS, to ensure data-driven decision making.
- Public awareness campaigns regarding disease prevention (UV exposure), safe refrigeration practices, proper disposal of refrigerants.
- Support for clean technologies — subsidies, incentives for manufacturers and service providers using low-GWP refrigerants or alternatives.
- Strengthen policy enforcement — audits, inspections, and penalties for non-compliance; building capacity at state/local levels.
Looking Ahead: Recovery and Long-Term Outlook
- According to United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and other scientific assessments, the ozone layer is projected to return to near-pre-1980 levels in many regions by mid-century, if current agreements are fully implemented.
- Continued international cooperation, technological innovation, and public participation will be vital. India’s success will depend not just on laws, but on translating those into measurable, verifiable action.
The theme “From Science to Global Action” encapsulates more than a slogan: it is a roadmap and a call-to-action. For India, it means building on its scientific understanding of ozone depletion (through monitoring, research) and ensuring that understanding continues to translate into policies, international cooperation, industry changes, and behaviour at the grassroots. India has made commendable progress — in phasing out many ozone-depleting chemicals, in meeting international obligations, in reducing use in new equipment — but the journey is not yet over. Sustained action in monitoring, enforcement, public awareness, and innovation will be essential to protect both the ozone layer and the health, environment, and climate of India and the world.
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