The Preservation of the Ozone Layer

The ozone layer, the blanket around the earth which protect us from harmful rays. It was once one of the precursors of life on earth. Unfortunately, this natural blanket protection is becoming more and more depleted. Making us more vulnerable to harmful ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation emitted by the sun.

Thanks to the effort of scientists and politicians. Since 40 years ago, governments and organizations became more aware of the ozone layer depletion effects. It has effects not only in human health but also on environmental issues. The adverse effects of UV-B include various facets of plant reproductive biology as flowering, pollen development, seed production, and seed size. Moreover, scientists also  have had documented changes in the reproductive rates of young fish, shrimp, and crabs as well as frogs and salamanders exposed to excess ultraviolet B. In order to face this problem United Nations Development Program organized The Montreal Protocol which was an international environmental agreement with universal ratification to protect the earth's ozone. The Montreal protocol was key to protect the ozone layer. It managed to ban the chemicals affecting the ozone layer.

The primary culprits in ozone layer breakdown, are Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). These chemicals were totally banned for developed countries and progressively banned for and regulated for developing countries. Consequently, companies producing these chemicals had to seek other options, and propel new investigations to obtain new substituents for these products. It showed that sometimes is necessary to make laws to protect the environment, in order to force big Companies to look for eco-friendly solutions.

The Montreal Protocol is a testimony, that actions taken in conjunction with Scientists, activists, and government can have a good impact on the Environment. If The Montreal protocol had not existed, right now we would have serious health problems, and most of the population would have cancer. Fortunately, studies have shown that The ozone layer is recovering. Hopefully, SDG's would have a good impact as The Montreal Protocol had in its times.

References:

UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM. (1997). ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF OZONE DEPLETION. 10-10-18, de CIESIN Website: http://sedac.ciesin.columbia.edu/ozone/UNEP/unep97summary.html