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Ozone Layer Depletion |
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by Soyeon Cho | 13-09-2018 00:41
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Ozone layer depletion is a serious issue that affects not only humans but also the entire planet. It is the phenomenon of the ozone layer (made up of O3) in the stratosphere being reduced through chemical reactions. It may not seem like a significant problem, but the ozone layer is critical for the well being of Earth?s organisms. The ozone layer acts as a protective blanket around the Earth against the harmful UV rays coming from the Sun, stopping most from hitting the planet. Without the ozone layer, humans, flora, and fauna would be exposed to all of the intense UV radiation that would damage the DNA of organisms, cause skin cancer rapidly, and stop most plants from photosynthesis. The main cause for ozone layer depletion is the existence of chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs (among other similar chemicals like hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)), in the atmosphere. CFCs are chemicals consisting of carbon, chlorine, and fluorine, and are also called by the name ?Freon? or ?Freon gas.? Because of their non-flammable qualities, they were ubiquitously used in the industry in the 20th century as refrigerants in air conditioners and refrigerators, propellants in aerosol sprays, and solvents for dry cleaning. However, the manufacturing of these common products can lead to CFCs carried into the atmosphere. According to eSchool Today, releasing one CFC molecule to the atmosphere can destroy more than 100,000 molecules of ozone. After finding a growing hole of the ozone layer above Antarctica in the 1960s, the world implemented a ban of CFCs moving into the 21st century, leading to the depletion process occurring more slowly. However, reports of illegal CFC production in eastern Asia (from The Guardian) among others have shown that work still needs to be done about ozone layer depletion. So what can we do? A simple solution to this issue is not to use the products that may have involved the production of CFCs or other similar chemicals that destroy the ozone layer. In the summer, try to stay away from using the air conditioning too much, since the usage of air conditioning will also contribute to climate change along with ozone layer depletion. Additionally, raise awareness about the significance of ozone layer depletion, especially considering that September 16th, 2018, is the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer!
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Previous : Workshop on Climate Change
8 Comments
Hello Soyeon, I did know that Montreal Protocol has been publicly evaluated as 'successfully implemented international treaty leading goal' but did not know the fact : 'After finding a growing hole of the ozone layer above Antarctica in the 1960s, the world implemented a ban of CFCs moving into the 21st century, leading to the depletion process occurring more slowly.'
Briefly speaking, as you said in your report, it is becoming more and more important for us to find individual methods to achieve our common goals : reduce the rate of ozone depletion crisis.
Thanks for the good report, it made me think of lots of things :)
Posted 16-09-2018 23:08
Hello Soyeon
The most important thing will be for every individual to acknowledge the severity of this problem which could also lead to less consumption of products that contain chemicals that damages the ozone layer!
Will be waiting for the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer :)
Posted 14-09-2018 12:20
Hi, Soyeon! Thank you for you report. I'm interested in your personal opinion. How do you feel about the opinion of modern scientists that the impact of chlorofluorocarbons on the destruction of the ozone layer was, to put it mildly, exaggerated? According to the recent report of the intergovernmental panel on climate, the lifetime of ozone-hazardous gases in the atmosphere is not thousands of years, but only two years.
Posted 13-09-2018 21:38
Great report. The ozone layer is crucial to our wellbeing
Posted 13-09-2018 20:51
Nice report! Well done. :)
Posted 13-09-2018 19:49
Hey Soyeon!
The issue of ozone depletion has come a long way. From its first discovery to the Protocol that was initiated. And with the Summer season hitting the southern hemisphere, taking the precautions such as the ones you have mentioned are now mandatory now more than ever.
Thank you for such an informative report S.Cho!
Posted 13-09-2018 16:03
Raising awareness is a key means in tackling the ozone layer depletion hanks so much for the report.
Posted 13-09-2018 13:01
Hello Cho,
I am very glad you concern much about ozone layer depletion.
Yes, I agree with you, it is really a serious problem that we should deal with if we want to protect our skin as well as life.
I loved much the way you adviced in the conclusion, where you said we should raise awareness about the significance of ozone layer depletion.
Thank you, lovely report
Posted 13-09-2018 02:07