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Introduction
The ozone layer is formed by the gradual buildup of oxygen (O3) in the atmosphere about 20 and 30 km above the ground. The ozone layer is an essential protective shield for the Earth as it filters out inward UV radiation from the Sun that is harmful to life on Earth. It can be said that it is only the formation of the ozone layer that permitted more sophisticated life forms to evolve. The incoming UV radiation from the Sun is divided into UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C radiation. UV-A is the least destructive and it reaches the Earth in large amounts passing through the ozone layer. UV-B radiation is considered to be very harmful to all forms of life and these radiations are filtered out by the ozone protective layer. UV-C radiation the most harmful of all the radiations is completely filtered out by ozone and oxygen in the stratosphere, and so never reaches the Earth’s surface (Buchdahl et al. 3-22). In short, there would be hardly any life without the protection of the ozone layer.
Main body
Recent research shows that the layer of protection is under threat (Ravishankara et al. 23-28). Ozone depletion is a major cause of concern for environmental scientists. It was only after the industrial revolution that this depletion aggravated. In the 1970s, scientists revealed that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) which are used in refrigeration, coolants, and aerosols since the 1930s are the major cause for the ozone depletion in the stratosphere. The problem chemicals for ozone depletion are the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), which are together called the ozone-depleting substances (ODS) (UNEP n.pag). It is also important to note that the CFCs that are commonly used for these purposes have a lifetime of about 20 years to a century and can consequently prolong to wipe out the ozone layer. Experts have estimated that one CFC molecule can destroy about 100,000 ozone molecules (envfor.nic.in). Anthropological activities are the main culprits behind ozone depletion and hence it is the responsibility of every individual to help prevent further destruction and protect the ozone layer.
Several steps are taken up such as – no new CFCs have been formed ever since 1995 in countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, and Japan. Additionally, the awareness of this issue has reduced the total usage of CFCs significantly, especially the ones from the aerosols. However, it is only for the asthma inhalers aerosols using CFCs are used in these countries. The late realization that CFCs are causing ozone depletion has resulted in greater damage. Since CFCs were widely used before, they have already depleted about 80% of the total ozone. Researchers have found that ozone depletion over Antarctica has been occurring since 1979, and a general decrease in global ozone levels has been observed since the early 1980s (Buchdahl et al. 3-22).
Agreements such as the Montreal Protocol made among nations to stop the damage of the ozone layer has also helped in the decrease of CFCs. However, defending the ozone layer from further damage requires the combined efforts of individuals with governments and other agencies. Due to the Montreal Protocol, most chemicals such as aerosols, refrigeration, and air conditioning that destroy ozone have already or partly being phased out of use. However, several products purchased before the international agreements are still being used, such as fridges. Since these items are expensive and in general are not replaced, they still pose a serious threat (Buchdahl et al. 3-22).
Additionally, it is also important that new stringent action by the global community to make sure every nation end the use and manufacture of these harmful substances. While until now these ODS have mainly been used for industrial purposes and offer consumers products and services that progress their lifestyles, it is essential to create awareness among the people for health and wellness problems that can be caused by the UV radiations. The ODS released are difficult to break down in the atmosphere and as a result, make their way into the stratosphere. Once these chemicals reach the stratosphere they are broken down by strong solar radiation. Further, when these chemicals are disintegrated into their composite atoms such as chlorine, bromine, etc. they destroy ozone molecules. One chlorine atom released in such a way can destroy over 100,000 ozone molecules.
In addition, to Montreal Protocol, the federal government has enacted several other methods to further reduce ozone destruction. For instance, the industry partnership programs that are developed by the U.S. EPA have not only helped to improve the current situation but also have been involved in providing information, encouragement, and a joint environment for the business community to come together in the reduction and removal of ozone-depleting substances. Further the advance has been made in other countries to decrease the impact of ODS (getf.org). It is not time to stop these efforts but needs much more effort from both developed and developing nations to protect and rebuild the ozone layer. This is the only way to restrict the harmful UV radiation from reaching the Earth.
Since ODS is a human-made problem, it is the responsibility of every individual to fix this problem before it becomes worse. For this purpose innovative policies and encouragement by the government have already fruitfully stimulated to development of substitutes for ODS and new systems. Awareness about the problem is not enough, raising public awareness about the solutions for ozone depletion is essential. It is the only way to protect health and preserve ecosystems. In other words, if the public is made aware to choose the products that do not harm the environment or those products that enhance to deplete the ozone layer through making informed purchases, industrial production of these items can reduce. Total elimination of ODS through a combined effort from the government and public is the only solution for halting ozone depletion. Further research is also required to help us enhance the knowledge of building up the ozone layer.
Work Cited
Buchdahl, J., Cresswell, L. and Twigg, R. Ozone Depletion Fact Sheet Series: KS2/3 ACE Information Programme. pp3-22. (2009). Web.
envfor.nic.in. Ozone Layer (2009). Web.
getf.org The State of Stratospheric Ozone Depletion 2003. Web.
Ravishankara, A.R., Kurylo, M.J. and Ennis, C.A. Trends in Emissions of Ozone-Depleting Substances, Ozone Layer Recovery, and Implications for Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure U.S. Climate Change Science Program, Synthesis and Assessment Product 2.4, 2008. Web.
UNEP The Environment In The News, 2007, Web.
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