Ozone Layer Depletion and Climate Change Essay

The Ozone Layer and Climate Change Essays
Since the beginning of the industrial revolution early in the nineteenth century, our ability to change the world around us has become profound. At first,
the impact on our planet was almost imperceptible, but as we have grown both in number and technological capability, that influence has grown with
us. Lately, the effects of our increased activity have begun to manifest themselves in a multitude of subtle, and some not so subtle ways: we have
thinned the ozone layer and may now be starting to change the very climate system upon which we and all other life on Earth depend. In effect, we are
experimenting with the future, but unlike performing a laboratory experiment, which can be scrapped and begun anew if it fails, altering the climate
...show more content...
The full radiation, unhindered by this filtering effect, would destroy animal tissue. Higher levels of radiation resulting from the depletion of the ozone
layer has been linked with increases in skin cancers, impaired immune systems, cataracts, damage to vegetation, and have been implicated in the
decline of certain amphibian species and the marine food web, such as phytoplankton. Phytoplankton is an important link in the marine food chain and
without it food populations could decline. Because plants "breathe in" carbon dioxide and "breathe out" oxygen, carbon dioxide levels in the air could
also increase (EPA–OAQPS Ozone: Good Up High, Bad Nearby). Ozone was discovered in 1839 by C.F. Schoenbein as a by–product of electrical
discharges. The fact that an ozone layer existed in the stratosphere was not discovered until the early years of the twentieth century when experimenters
found that it strongly absorbed light in the ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum.
The ozone has been thinning since the 1970s, although undisputable proof of this was not obtained until ten years later in the mid–1980s. Satellite
observations indicate a worldwide thinning of the protective ozone layer. The more noticeable losses occur over the North and South Poles because
ozone depletion accelerates in extremely cold weather conditions (EPA–OAQPS Ozone: Good Up High, Bad Nearby). In the mid–1980's, scientists
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The Effects of Ozone Depletion Essay
The ozone layer is a deep layer in the Earth's stratosphere that has an altitude of about 6.2 miles and contains a high concentration of ozone molecules.
The ozone layer shields the entire Earth from some of the harmful ultraviolet rays that come from the sun. The Earth's atmosphere is composed of
several layers, but the layer that we live in – the "troposphere" – is where most weather occurs. Above the troposphere is the stratosphere which is
where most of the effects caused by ozone holes and global warming originate. The ozone layer absorbs 97% to about 99% of the Sun's
medium–frequency ultraviolet light which could otherwise potentially harm and damage exposed life forms on the surface of the Earth. There are three
main types of...show more content...
When chloroflurocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) reach the stratosphere, the Suns' ultraviolet radiation causes these
compounds to break apart and release chlorine atoms which then begin to react with the ozone. Just one chlorine atom in the ozone can break more
than 100,000 ozone molecules. Other chemicals that are harmful to the ozone include methyl bromide (which is used as pesticide), halons (which are
used in fire extinguishers), and methyl chloroform (used as a solvent in industrial processes). When methyl bromide and halons rise to the atmosphere
and break apart, they release bromine atoms. These bromine atoms are approximately 60 times more destructive to the ozone layer than chlorine atoms
are.
Dramatic loss of the ozone in the lower stratosphere was discovered over Antarctica in the 1970s. The severe depletion of stratospheric ozone in the
Antarctic has increased ultraviolet radiation at the surface and affected climate at southern high latitudes and northern low latitudes. Due to these
several ozone hole discoveries, an international treaty was signed in 1973 called the Montreal Protocol. The treaty was enacted to help reduce the
manufacturing of these chemicals that

The Atmosphere and The Ozone Layer
The atmosphere is an amazing creation. It contains many things that help make this world a place where we can live. The atmosphere contains ozone.
That helps protect our skin from harmful sun rays. Many layers make up our atmosphere. There are five main layers, the troposphere, stratosphere,
mesosphere, thermosphere, and lastly the exosphere. Each layer has a different purpose. Clouds are located in the atmosphere and are a big part of the
water cycle. There are different types of clouds and they all have different effects. Conduction and convection also play a big part in how we live our
lives today.
Ozone is a gas in the atmosphere. It absorbs ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Without ozone, our skin would burn from the suns radiation. Ozone can
be either good or bad for your health. It depends on the location of it in the atmosphere. It can also be bad for the environment. When ozone is near the
ground it is considered very dangerous. During the hot summer months ozone levels should be monitored. In the summer, more harmful ozone
concentrations are in the air we use. Inhaling ozone can be very dangerous to our health. It can cause a number of health problems. Scientists are
figuring out ways to help keep the air clean and people and the environment healthy. (1)
There are many different layers in the atmosphere, five actually. The layer closest to theearth's surface is the troposphere. The troposphere is again the
very

Ozone Layer Depletion And Its Effects
Ian Grimmond
Ozone Layer Depletion When you walk outside, there is a pale blue molecule up in the Stratosphere that is protecting you every second of every
day of your life, this molecule is called ozone. Ozone is made of oxygen and has a chemical equation of OO2. It is layered all over our Stratosphere
and protects us from harmful UV rays from the sun. Without this in our atmosphere, we would mostly likely not live as long on this Earth. Sadly
however, this ozone layer is depleting, and has been for the past 45–50 years. Ozone depletion occurs when chemicals in aerosol cans called
chlorofluorocarbons (or CFCs) are released in the atmosphere. These chemicals break down ozone and make the layer of ozone we have become
thinner and thinner. Chemicals known as halogens: which includes, Iodine, Chlorine, Bromine, Astatine, and fluorine. The two halogens that are most
dangerous to the ozone layer are Bromine and Chlorine. This is because they are extremely potent and can destroy many molecules of ozone with a
single molecule. Singlehandedly one chlorine molecule can be responsible for the breaking down of over 100,000 ozone molecules. You may think
"This doesn't affect me, I can't be hurt by this slow progression." However, ozone is depleting is happening at an alarming rate. There are enormous
ozone layer holes in the atmosphere, mainly above the North and South Poles. Although it does not seem to pose a serious threat to people in the
mainland continents at

The Ozone Layer And Global Climate Change
NASA states that, "In its Fourth Assessment Report, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a group of 1,300 independent scientific experts
from countries all over the world under the auspices of the United Nations, concluded there 's a more than 90 percent probability that human activities
over the past 250 years have warmed our planet". The ozone layer and a stable climate temperature are the only thing protecting life on earth from the
deadly UV rays and harmful global temperature rise. All around the world today the ozone layer is constantly depleting and the overall global
temperature is constantly heating up whether anyone is acknowledging it or not, but there is a cause. Ozone layer depletion and global climate change
are naturally occurring events that have been extremely and negatively heightened by human life. Not many people know what global warming or the
ozone layer actually is. The ozone layer is a layer in the earth 's stratosphere that absorbs most of the ultra violet rays from the sun. Global warming is
the progressive optimization in the overall temperature of the earth 's atmosphere. Carbon dioxide levels have a major effect on the earth's overall
temperature. For 650,000 years the carbon level has fluctuated between 160 and 300 parts per million. 1950 to 2014 is when it immediately
skyrocketed to 400 and continues to increase today . About thirty years ago scientists unearthed a hole in the ozone layer. The ozone layer hole is not a
complete hole

How do CFCs or chlorofluorocarbons affect Canada's Ozone layer. To answer this question we first have to understand chlorofluorocarbons and the
earth's ozone layer. Chlorofluorocarbons are chemical compounds made up of three chlorine atoms. One fluorine atom and 1 carbon atom. There
were many uses for CFCs ranging from, being used as coolants in refrigerants to propellants for aerosols to being used as solvents for dry cleaning. As
CFCs are non– flammable and not very toxic we thought they were a revolutionary compound, but unfortunately CFCs were one of the leading causes
for the depletion of our ozone layer. ozone is a type of oxygen, an ozone molecule consists of three oxygen atoms whereas a regular oxygen molecule
only consists of two.

INTRODUCTION the ozone hole is a big issue in Australia, the hole cause a lot of trouble that Australia don't want, the ozone cause skin disease, sun
burn, fainted and more, in the past, there is no worries when you play outdoor, you don't need to think that you or your kids will have a sun burn, or
they may die with skin cancer, you don't need to force your kids to where a hat to prevent sunburn or skin cancer. The ozone layer is harm in the
industrial revolution, and when the ozone layer was broke, things change,. MAIN BODY When the industrial revolution start, the gases that the factory
produce harm the ozone layer, but they don't know, so this situation continues for 5 years, than the government realize that this is a situation, then

Essay on Ozone Depletion
Ozone Depletion
Atmospheric ozone layer depletion is a serious problem currently facing the world. The ozone layer protects humans, animals, and plants from harmful
ultraviolet rays. Money and time are being spent on ozone repair, but the problem still exists.
The ozone layer is a region of the stratosphere containing ozone, or O3 gas. The ozone layer is essential to both plant and animal life on earth because
it protects the surface from dangerous ultraviolet light.
However, industrial and domestic chemicals that are currently in use have been found to destroy ozone, and the problem has escalated to an ozone
layer "hole" above Antarctica. Ozone levels there are 40 percent below normal, and there may be another ozone hole...show more content...
The compounds most responsible for ozone layer destruction are CFC–11 (trichlorofluoromethane), CFCl3; CFC–12 (dichlorodifluoromethane),
CF2Cl2; and CFC–113 (1,1,2 trichlorotrifluoroethane), CF2ClCFCl2. All of these compounds are excellent refrigerants, and CFC–12 is marketed by
DuPont as Freonв„ў.3
The word "CFC" has become a generic term referring to any substance that is deleterious to the ozone layer. However, many destructive compounds are
not CFC's by definition. All ozone–destroying compounds contain at least one of two common elements: chlorine, or the more catalytic bromine.
Compared atom–to–atom, bromine can destroy 10–100 times the number of ozone molecules as chlorine. Fortunately, its atmospheric concentration is
much smaller.3
One of the other O3–destructive groups is called the hydrochlorofluorocarbons, or HCFC's. HCFC's are organic compounds in which not all of the
hydrogen atoms have been replaced by chlorine or fluorine. One such compound is R–22 (HCFC–22), CHClF2.3
Some other non–CFC compounds that destroy the ozone layer include carbon tetrachloride (tetrachloromethane), CCl4; methyl chloroform (1,1,1
trichloroethane), CH3CCl3; and methyl chloride (chloromethane), CH3Cl.3
The result of ozone layer depletion is a increase in ultraviolet rays at the surface. Humans, animals, marine life, and plants are all susceptible to UV

Annotated Bibliography : Ozone Layers And Holes
Marco Aldana
Introduction to Cosmology
Professor Dawdy
25 October 2017
Annotated Bibliography "Ozone Layers and Holes"
Many of us might not understand how important the ozone layer is to our planet. So that is why we should take more care of our environment so we
don't deplete our ozone layer even more. To some this topic may not be important and they don't understand what affects these dangerous chemicals can
have on our environment. Hopefully reading this they will want to take better care of our planet for our future generations.
"National Geographic: Eye in the Sky––ozone, Pollution." National Geographic: Eye in the Sky––ozone, Pollution. National Geographic, n.d. Web. 22
Oct. 2017. National Geographic wrote the article "Good Ozone, Bad Ozone". The article is about how there are both good parts of the ozone
layer and some bad parts of the ozone layer. The ozone layer is only good when the gas is high above the ground if it is not then it can be very
harmful for us. The bad thing about the ozone layer is it is made up of poisonous gasses. Approximately 90 percent of the earth's ozone is called the
stratosphere. Many scientists believe that ozone layer is being destroyed due to chemicals we use. The National Geographic was motivated to write
this article to educate us on how the ozone layer has a good and a bad layer. Even though, the ozone layer is helpful because it protects us from
harmful ultraviolet rays. It can be bad when the layer is depleted and

Cause And Effects Of Ozone Depletion
Some scientists have proclaimed that the human race is slowly depleting the layer of ozone which protects us from ultra violet light. In reality,
humans have very little control of the world in which we live. Scientific evidence has shown that there is very little depletion in the ozone layer and
the contributions the human race makes towards this depletion is and always will be insignificant compared to nature. The theories of the depletion
and what it would cause are flawed and contradictory. Where and when did this global killing threat begin? It all began in the mid 1960's when the
United States government began pursuing super sonic transports. These would be planes which would travel in the stratosphere, very close to the
ozone layer. The first environmentalist complaints were actually of the noise factor. These large planes would be traveling in excess of the speed of
sound. Subsequently there would be sonic booms heard on the surface (Singer). The arguments fell on deaf ears in Washington. The next objection
came in the form of ozone depletion. A fleet of over 500 of these planes would ultimately destroy the ozone. This would allow more ultra violet
radiation to fall to the earth and in turn skin cancer rates would sky rocket. That was more than enough for the federal government to get involved, they
immediately canceled the project. At that time there was no study done to investigate these claims, but there has been since. The initial estimation was
that a fleet of

Impact Of Pollution On Ozone Depletion
Jamie Kanzler Extended Essay: What is the impact of pollution on ozone depletion? Section 1: Introduction Air is classified as a mixture because it is
made up of many different elements. These elements include 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 1% Argon, .4% water vapor, and .04% carbon dioxide.
Human activity has a very large effect on the air in our environment. Over time, humans have caused the once clean air to become polluted with
chemicals. These chemicals are called pollutants. A pollutant is defined as a substance created from human activity, that is present at a concentration
greater than its natural levels, and has a harmful effect on the environment. Many different pollutants exist in our air today and the concentration of
these chemicals causes their toxicity to vary. Generally, pollutants are classified into two groups: primary and secondary pollutants. A primary pollutant
is a chemical that enters directly into the atmosphere. Common primary pollutants include nitrogen monoxide, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur
dioxide, and volatile organic compounds. A volatile organic compound is a compound of carbon that participates in a photochemical reaction in the
atmosphere. The second type of pollutant, a secondary pollutant, is produced when primary pollutants go through a chemical reaction with
environmental constituents in the atmosphere. Examples of secondary pollutants include sulfuric acid, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone. These pollutants
are "modified

Speech On The Ozone Layer
1) The ozone layer is a layer of ozone high up in the Earth's atmosphere stratosphere. The word "ozone" means smelly in Greek because the gas has
a strong odor. The ozone layer was discovered in 1913 by the French physicists Charles Fabry and Henri Buisson. Ozone is created in the
stratosphere when high energy UV radiation causes on O2 molecule to split. The free oxygen atoms collide and react with other O2 molecules to
form O3. The exact amount of ozone that can be found varies, the seasons influence it; it is also different in different places on the Earth. This layer
can absorb between 93 and 99 per cent of the ultraviolet radiation from the sun. This radiation is dangerous to many living organisms on Earth.
However, due to its high reactivity,...show more content...
These are compounds used for refrigerants, fire extinguishers, and aerosol propellants. CFCs were invented in the 1920s and were originally thought
to be environmentally friendly, but time proved otherwise. CFCs are very stable and do not dissolve in rain. Thus, there are no natural processes
that remove the CFCs from the lower atmosphere. Over time, winds drive the CFCs into the stratosphere. The CFCs are so stable that only exposure
to strong UV radiation breaks them down. When that happens, the CFC molecule releases atomic chlorine. One chlorine atom can destroy over
100,000 ozone molecules. The net effect is to destroy ozone faster than it is naturally created. In 1974, two scientists named Sherwood Rowland and
Mario Molina were able to demonstrate how CFCs were splitting ozone molecules into atmospheric oxygen and chlorine monoxide molecules, and this
work earned them the 1995 Nobel Prize in chemistry. Their research helped put new policy into motion, and by 1979, the U.S. and other countries had
banned CFCs in aerosol sprays, but not for other

Ozone Layer
What is the ozone layer and why is it important?
The ozone layer is a concentration of ozone molecules in the stratosphere. About 90% of the planet's ozone is in the ozone layer. The layer of the
Earth's atmosphere that surrounds us is called the troposphere. The stratosphere, the next higher layer, extends about 10–50 kilometers above the
Earth's surface. Stratospheric ozone is a naturally–occurring gas that filters the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation. A diminished ozone layer allows more
radiation to reach the Earth's surface. For people, overexposure to UV rays can lead to skin cancer, cataracts, and weakened immune systems.
Increased UV can also lead to reduced crop yield and disruptions in the marine food chain.
How does ozone...show more content...
In contrast, CFCs are not broken down in the lower atmosphere and do not dissolve in water. The chlorine in these human–made molecules does reach
the stratosphere. Measurements show that the increase in stratospheric chlorine since 1985 matches the amount released from CFCs and other
ozone–depleting substances produced and released by human activities.
What is being done about ozone depletion?
In 1978, the use of CFC propellants in spray cans was banned in the U.S. In the 1980s, the Antarctic "ozone hole" appeared and an international
science assessment more strongly linked the release of CFCs and ozone depletion. It became evident that a stronger worldwide response was needed.
In 1987, the Montreal Protocol was signed and the signatory nations committed themselves to a reduction in the use of CFCs and other ozone–depleting
substances.
Since that time, the treaty has been amended multiple times to accelerate the phaseout of CFCs, HCFCs, and other ozone depleting substances. Today,
over 190 countries have ratified the treaty.The next step in the elimination of ozone depleting substances occurs in 2010 when EPA will ban the
production of the most harmful HCFCs. This production phaseout is possible because of efforts to ensure that there are substitute chemicals and
technologies for the compounds being phased out.
Is there general agreement among scientists on the

Essay about Ozone Layer Depletion
Ozone Layer Depletion
Ozone is a natural trace component of the atmosphere. It is created continuously through
the action of sunlight and oxygen in the upper atmosphere. At the same time this destroyed by
various reactions with other components in the air. The next result of these natural processes is the
so–called ozone layer in the stratosphere at altitudes between 15 and 50 kilometers in which the
concentration of the ozone is raised. Ozone is a colorless gas, a form of oxygen. However, an
ordinary molecule of oxygen contains two atoms. Because of ozone's composition, it is reactive. It
readily combines with whatever materials it comes in contact with, including such biological
substances as cells and...show more content...
At first, the gas was little protection
from the sun's UV radiation. But according to some evolutionary theories, life forms on earth may
have been able to develop in water that filtered out most of the UV rays but allowed enough visible
lights for chemical reactions to take place.
However, ozone concentration are not static, winds transport, ozone throughout the

stratosphere. Although the photochemical process constantly produces ozone, it is also destroyed by
chemical reactions involving such gases as nitrogen, hydrogen, and chlorine. In addition, the
amounts of ozone change with seasons. The end results, is that over centuries
ozone in the stratosphere has maintained a dynamic equilibrium: the production and loss processes
have balanced. Keeping a layer of ozone around the planet that protects all life from too much UV
radiation. However, that delicate balance now may be threatened. Why did scientist become
concerned about the ozone layer? A number of events prompted scientific
research into the possibility that the ozone layer might be in danger. The research on the
stratospheric effects of shuttle launches altered others in the scientific community and in
government agencies to view chlorine compounds as possible threats to the ozone layer. Damage to
the ozone layer is largely caused by the release of certain volatile chemicals in the halogenated
hydrocarbons

Ozone Layer Protection
Case Study of Environmental Conservation of Ozone in Hong Kong The ozone layer present in the stratosphere of the Earth is utmost important to us
as it protects us from the exposure of ultraviolet rays which leads to several harmful effects. Without the ozone layer, human will be more prone to
skin cancer and eye cataracts. Ultraviolet rays can also cause harm to marine life by reducing the amount of planktons and consequently depreciates the
amount of fishes in the ocean. Besides that, the depletion of the ozone layer disrupts the production of crops and forest growth, another two things
which are essential to human life and another reason why the ozone layer is substantial to us (Gleason, K., 2008). The Montreal Protocol was created
...show more content...
Air conditioners which use refrigerants such as R–410A and R–134A should be used instead as a replacement for those which use HCFCs to protect
the ozone layer from complete depletion (People's Daily Online, 2009). Besides that, Hong Kong has executed the Ozone Layer Protection
Ordinance in 1989 to ban the import of certain products and also to control the manufacturing of ozone depleting substances in the country. This
ordinance has also applied licensing restrictions to the imports and exports coming in and out of the country based on GovHK (2011). In
conclusion, the depletion of ozone layer can cause much harm and danger to the country and therefore, actions must be taken to stop this disaster
from happening. A comfortable life would most definitely be a preference but there are always alternatives to enjoy a better life without the usage of
ozone depletion chemicals. If the citizens of Hong Kong play by the rules, it would be a great start to a whole new generation where the usage of
hydro chlorofluorocarbons will be eliminated and the existence of the ozone layer can be prolonged.
Reference Gleason, K. (2008, March 20). Science: Basic Ozones. Retrieved from http://www.ozonelayer.noaa.gov/science/basics.htm United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP), (2012, January 23). South Sudan Joins Montreal Protocol and Commits to Phasing Out

The Effect Of Ozone Layer On The Environment
Ozone:
The role of the ozone layer in the environment: The ozone in the world 's upper environment, the stratosphere, directs and diminishes Ultraviolet rays
(the UV–B range). Keeping a lot of it from getting the chance to ground level
The real function of the ozone layer is to stop the harmful radiations originating from the sun and in addition from stars.
Ozone catches those radiations, which are of low wavelength. It likewise stops the destructive bright beams. These radiations are extremely destructive
for living creatures. In the event that these radiations will achieve the earth specifically then the majority of the living creatures will need to endure
with skin issues.
Those radiations, which have the wavelength range not as much as that of 3000 Armstrong are ingested for the most part by ozone layer. The reason for
the depleted ozone layer:
The hole of the ozone layer is because of many issues. These revelations came to fruition through numerous years of experimental examination, so how
about we take an excursion back so as to pick up a superior comprehension of how the ozone layer has been influenced by human action.
It started in the 1960s when researchers saw that their estimations of ozone in the air were lower than what their models anticipated they ought to be.
The researchers trusted that either actually or falsely made chemicals were by one means or another exhausting the ozone.
For no good reason these chemicals were something numerous

The Depletion Of The Ozone Layer
Over hundreds of thousands of years humans have adapted their way of life to the environment they live in resulting in us developing different
physical attributes, shelters, clothing, foods, languages and beliefs. But there are elements in our world that all humans, no matter where or how they
live depend on, water and air. Both are essential for life but air also protects all of us and it is therefore understandable that the response to the
depletion of the ozone layer became international. This essay will look at what the ozone layer is, why it was depleting, how the international response
to this situation developed and what this collaboration means for our future.
The envelope of gases surrounding the earth is called the atmosphere and it serves three critical functions: it provides life–giving oxygen, keeps the
earth warm, and protects us from deadly ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Most of the atmosphere consists of nitrogen and oxygen (See Figure
1). But these gases do not keep us warm or protect the earth from UV rays. For these functions you have to turn to some of the trace gases found in the
atmosphere, commonly referred to as greenhouse gases. They are: water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, ozone, and nitrous oxide.
These trace gases function like the transparent covering of a greenhouse, allowing sunlight to filter through to the earth 's surface, then trapping in the
heat. Without this greenhouse effect the earth 's temperature would plummet far

Essay on OZONE DEPLETION BY HUMANвЂ™S ACTIONS
OZONE DEPLETION BY HUMAN'S ACTIONS
The ozone layer is a very important component in the atmosphere. Ozone is not the same as the oxygen humans breathe. There is very little of this
gas in the atmosphere. First off, let's begin with a definition of the ozone layer. Ozone is a hot, slightly bluish gas. It is a molecule made up of three
oxygen atoms, which are very similar to the molecule we are familiar with (O2), the molecule needed for human respiration. Despite the major smog
problem, about 90 percent of Earth's ozone are actually in the stratosphere, a layer of the atmosphere far above the Earth's surface. It lies above the
troposhere, the miles–thick lower layer where air is densest and where most weather occurs. So, it is...show more content...
If ozone did not act to filter a great deal of the ultra–violet radiation and if the rays were allowed to reach the surface of the Earth, then our planet
would be uninhabitable for life (Lutgens3). Ozone depletion and over–exposure to enhanced UV–B radiation can lead to deadly melanoma skin cancer,
increased eye cataracts, and damages to the near surface oceanic phytoplankton, which is the basis of the food chain. The natural depletion of the
stratospheric ozone chemistry cycle has been severely interrupted by ozone depletion associated with the decay of chlorofluorocarbons ("Links"4).
These are contained in a wide range of products, including aerosol sprays and refrigerants and insulating foam packaging.
Ozone concentrations are measured by a Dobson spectrophotometer and satellite–based instruments and results from these measurements show a
decrease in stratospheric ozone levels of about 1 percent per year since 1979. Studies show that every 1 percent decrease in ozone should produce a 2
percent increase in UV–B radiation, and a 4 percent increase in skin cancer (Thompson5).
Recently in the Arctic, the presence of significant CIO in the stratosphere has been established (Thompson 6). This shows the process of ozone
destruction in the Arctic. In this case, the ozone level in the Arctic also decreases. The frequency of this is not known. There may be a relationship
between large volcanic eruptions and even greater loss

Ozone Layer Depletion
ISSUES AND CONCERNS ABOUT THE OZONE LAYER DEPLETION
INTRODUCTION
The ozone layer protects the Earth from the ultraviolet rays sent down by the sun. If the ozone layer is depleted by human action, the effects on the
planet could be catastrophic. In recent years, the ozone layer has been the subject of much discussion. And rightly so, because the ozone layer protects
both plant and animal life on the planet. The atmosphere is divided into five layers: the troposphere, the stratosphere, the mesosphere, the thermosphere,
and the exosphere. The troposphere is the layer closest to earth and is where all weather happenings occur. The stratosphere is located directly above
the troposphere, about 10–50 kilometers above the planet, and houses...show more content...
Although natural phenomena can cause temporary ozone loss, chlorine and bromine released from man–made compounds such as CFCs are now
accepted as the main cause of this depletion. The production and emission of CFCs, is by far the leading cause.
Human activity is by far the most prevalent and destructive source of ozone depletion, while threatening volcanic eruptions are less common. Human
activity, such as the release of various compounds containing chlorine or bromine, accounts for approximately 75 to 85 percent of ozone damage.
Perhaps the most evident and destructive molecule of this description is chloroflourocarbon (CFC). CFCs were first used to clean electronic circuit
boards, and as time progressed, were used in aerosols and coolants, such as refrigerators and air conditioners. When CFCs from these products are
released into the atmosphere, the destruction begins. As CFCs are emitted, the molecules float toward the ozone rich stratosphere. Then, when UV
radiation contacts the CFC molecule, this causes one chlorine atom to liberate. This free chlorine then reacts with an ozone (O3) molecule to form
chlorine monoxide (ClO) and a single oxygen molecule (O2). This threatening chlorine atom then continues the cycle and results in further destruction
of the ozone layer. Measures have been taken to reduce the amount of CFC emission, but since CFCs have a life span of 20–100

Ozone Layer Depletion and Climate Change Essay

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