People urged to invest in eco-friendly products

Abu Dhabi: Invest in eco friendly products, said the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi on the International Day for Protection of the Ozone Layer, which is celebrated every September 16.

Yesterday was the 20th anniversary of the signing of Montreal Protocol by more than 100 nations agreeing to limit the production and release of compounds such as human-produced chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) which harm the ozone layer.

To mark this year's Ozone Day, the EAD have come up with a weeklong activity plan, including an awareness quiz through local radio stations. Public awareness surveys would be conducted in shopping malls and select stores in order to improve the awareness levels of people about ozone-depleting products.

Protecting the Ozone layer is important because it absorbs ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, preventing most of it from reaching the Earth's surface. Research has demonstrated that the Earth is now exposed to higher levels of UV rays because of the thinning of the ozone layer.