A PROJECT REPORT ON

“ENVIRONMENTAL LAW”

OZONE LAYER DEPLETION

Academic Session: 2020/2021

Submitted to: Submitted by:

MR ABHISHEK BHARDWAJ RAKHI TIWARI
Asst. prof. MATS LAW SCHOOL B.A.LLB 10th SEM,
MATS LAW SCHOOL MU15BALLBO1
MATS LAW SCHOOL
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I express my sincere gratitude to Asst. Prof. MR ABHISHEK BHARDWAJ,

MATS Law School, Raipur, and owe my foremost regards to his for giving us an

opportunity to carry out this project work under his guidance. This work would not

have been possible without his invaluable support and thought provoking

comments.

I would also like to thank our batch mates who directly or indirectly helped us

in making this project.

 DECLARATION

I, Rakhi Tiwari undersigned hereby declare that this research report on

OZONE LAYER DEPLETION compiled and submitted by us is an original work

conducted under the guidance of Asst. Prof. MR ABHISHEK BHARDWAJ. It is a

work done by us as a partial fulfillment of the Bachelor’s degree in B.A.LL.B. No

part of this work will be published or copied for any purpose.

Date: RAKHI TIWARI

Place: ID: MU15BALLB01

 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

A doctrinal methodology of research has been adopted in the completion of this

project report. This includes both primary as well as secondary methods of

doctrinal method of research. Source utilized for the completion of this project

include available book, articles, websites and statutes, periodicals and e-post has

been made where ever necessary.

 INTRODUCTION

Ozone depletion, gradual thinning of Earth’s ozone layer in the upper atmosphere caused by the
release of chemical compounds containing gaseous chlorine or bromine from industry and other
human activities. The thinning is most pronounced in the polar regions, especially over
Antarctica. Ozone depletion is a major environmental problem because it increases the amount of
ultraviolet (UV) radiation that reaches Earth’s surface, which increases the rate of skin cancer,
eye cataracts, and genetic and immune system damage. The Montreal Protocol, ratified in 1987,
was the first of several comprehensive international agreements enacted to halt the production
and use of ozone-depleting chemicals. As a result of continued international cooperation on this
issue, the ozone layer is expected to recover over time.
Scientists discovered in the 1970s that the ozone layer was being depleted.
Atmospheric concentrations of ozone vary naturally depending on temperature, weather, latitude
and altitude, while substances ejected by natural events such as volcanic eruptions can also affect
ozone levels. However, these natural phenomena could not explain the levels of depletion
observed and scientific evidence revealed that certain man-made chemicals were the cause.

Ozone hole
Ozone depletion is greatest at the South Pole. It occurs mainly in late winter and early spring
(August-November) and peak depletion usually occurs in early October, when ozone is often
completely destroyed in large areas.
This severe depletion creates the so-called “ozone hole” that can be seen in images of Antarctic
ozone, made using satellite observations. In most years, the maximum area of the hole is bigger
than the Antarctic continent itself. Although ozone losses are less radical in the Northern
Hemisphere, significant thinning of the ozone layer is also observed over the Arctic and even
over continental Europe.
Most of the ozone-depleting substances emitted by human activities remain in the stratosphere
for decades, meaning that ozone layer recovery is a very slow, long process.
The chart below shows the development of the (annual maximum) size of the ozone hole over
the Antarctic. The hole grew in the years following ratification of the Montreal Protocol, due to
the lag caused by the fact that ozone-depleting substances remain in the stratosphere for a long
time. The maximum size of the ozone hole is now decreasing.sumer applications, mainly
refrigerators, air conditioners and fire extinguishers1.

1
https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/ozone_en
 CHAPTER-I
HISTORY

In 1969 Dutch chemist Paul Crutzen published a paper that described the major nitrogen oxide
catalytic cycle affecting ozone levels. Crutzen demonstrated that nitrogen oxides can react with
free oxygen atoms, thus slowing the creation of ozone (O3), and can also decompose ozone into
nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and oxygen gas (O2). Some scientists and environmentalists in the 1970s
used Crutzen’s research to assist their argument against the creation of a fleet of American
supersonic transports (SSTs). They feared that the potential emission of nitrogen oxides and
water vapour from these aircraft would damage the ozone layer. (SSTs were designed to fly at
altitudes coincident with the ozone layer, some 15 to 35 km [9 to 22 miles] above Earth’s
surface.) In reality, the American SST program was canceled, and only a small number of
French-British Concordes and Soviet Tu-144s went into service, so that the effects of SSTs on
the ozone layer were found to be negligible for the number of aircraft in operation.

In 1974, however, American chemists Mario Molina and F. Sherwood Rowland of the University
of California at Irvine recognized that human-produced chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)—molecules
containing only carbon, fluorine, and chlorine atoms—could be a major source of chlorine in the
stratosphere. They also noted that chlorine could destroy extensive amounts of ozone after it was
liberated from CFCs by UV radiation. Free chlorine atoms and chlorine-containing gases, such
as chlorine monoxide (ClO), could then break ozone molecules apart by stripping away one of
the three oxygen atoms. Later research revealed that bromine and certain bromine-containing
compounds, such as bromine monoxide (BrO), were even more effective at destroying ozone
than were chlorine and its reactive compounds. Subsequent laboratory measurements,
atmospheric measurements, and atmospheric-modeling studies soon substantiated the importance
of their findings. Crutzen, Molina, and Rowland received the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1995
for their efforts.
Human activities have had a significant effect on the global concentration and distribution of
stratospheric ozone since before the 1980s. In addition, scientists have noted that large annual
decreases in average ozone concentrations began to occur by at least 1980. Measurements from
satellites, aircraft, ground-based sensors, and other instruments indicate that total integrated
column levels of ozone (that is, the number of ozone molecules occurring per square metre in
sampled columns of air) decreased globally by roughly 5 percent between 1970 and the mid-
1990s, with little change afterward. The largest decreases in ozone took place in the high
latitudes (toward the poles), and the smallest decreases occurred in the lower latitudes (the
tropics). In addition, atmospheric measurements show that the depletion of the ozone layer
increased the amount of UV radiation reaching Earth’s surface.

This global decrease in stratospheric ozone is well correlated with rising levels of chlorine and
bromine in the stratosphere from the manufacture and release of CFCs and other halocarbons.
Halocarbons are produced by industry for a variety of uses, such as refrigerants (in refrigerators,
air conditioners, and large chillers), propellants for aerosol cans, blowing agents for making
plastic foams, firefighting agents, and solvents for dry cleaning and degreasing. Atmospheric
measurements have clearly corroborated theoretical studies showing that chlorine and bromine
released from halocarbons in the stratosphere react with and destroy ozone.
 CHAPTER II
Effects of ozone depletion for humans and the environment

Ozone layer depletion causes increased UV radiation levels at the Earth's surface, which is
damaging to human health.
Negative effects include increases in certain types of skin cancers, eye cataracts and immune
deficiency disorders. UV radiation also affects terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, altering
growth, food chains and biochemical cycles. Aquatic life just below the water’s surface, the basis
of the food chain, is particularly adversely affected by high UV levels. UV rays also affect plant
growth, reducing agricultural productivity.

Action to protect the ozone layer

The Montreal Protocol
In 1987, to address the destruction of the ozone layer, the international community established
the Montreal Protocol on ozone-depleting substances. It was the first international treaty to be
signed by all countries of the world and is considered the greatest environmental success story in
the history of the United Nations.
The Montreal Protocol’s objective is to cut down the production and consumption of ozone-
depleting substances, in order to reduce their presence in the atmosphere and thus protect the
Earth's ozone layer.
The chart below shows the decreasing consumption of ozone-depleting substances covered by
the Montreal Protocol, both globally and by the EEA-33 (the 28 EU Member States plus Iceland,
Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and Turkey)2.

2
European Environment Agency
EU regulation

EU legislation on ozone-depleting substances is among the strictest and most advanced in the
world. Through a series of regulations, the EU has not only implemented the Montreal Protocol
but has often phased out dangerous substances faster than required.
The current EU ‘Ozone Regulation’ (Regulation (EC) 1005/2009) contains a number of
measures to ensure a higher level of ambition. While the Montreal Protocol regulates the
production of these substances and their trade in bulk, the Ozone Regulation prohibits their use
in most cases (certain uses are still permitted in the EU). Moreover, it regulates not only
substances in bulk, but also those contained in products and equipment.
The EU Ozone Regulation also sets licensing requirements for all exports and imports of ozone-
depleting substances and regulates and monitors not only substances covered by the Montreal
Protocol (over 90 chemicals), but also some that are not covered (five additional chemicals
called 'new substances')3.

3
https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/ozone_en
 CHAPTER III
Impact of global action & remaining challenges

Global consumption of ozone-depleting substances has been reduced by some 98% since
countries began taking action under the Montreal Protocol. As a result, the atmospheric
concentration of the most aggressive types of ozone-depleting substances is falling and the ozone
layer is showing the first signs of recovery. Nevertheless, the ozone layer is not expected to
recover fully before the second half of this century. This is because once released, ozone-
depleting substances stay in the atmosphere for many years and continue to cause damage. Much
remains to be done to ensure the continued recovery of the ozone layer and to reduce the impact
of ozone-depleting substances on the Earth’s climate.

Actions required globally to continue the recovery of the ozone layer are:

Ensuring that existing restrictions on ozone-depleting substances are properly implemented

and global use of ozone-depleting substances continue to be reduced. Ensuring that banks of
ozone-depleting substances (both in storage and contained in existing equipment) are dealt with
in an environmentally-friendly manner and are replaced with climate-friendly alternatives.
Ensuring that permitted uses of ozone-depleting substances are not diverted to illegal uses.
Reducing use of ozone-depleting substances in applications that are not considered as
consumption under the Montreal Protocol . Ensuring that no new chemicals or technologies
emerge that could pose new threats to the ozone layer (e.g. very short-lived substances).
 CHAPTER IV
Relationship between ozone-depleting substances & climate change

Most man-made ozone-depleting substances are also potent greenhouse gases. Some of them
have a global warming effect up to 14,000 times stronger than carbon dioxide (CO2), the main
greenhouse gas.

Therefore, the global phase-out of ozone depleting substances such as hydrochlorofluorocarbons

(HCFCs) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) has also made a significant positive contribution to the
fight against climate change.

On the other hand, the global phase-out has led to a large increase in the use of other types of
gases, to replace ozone depleting substances in various applications. These fluorinated gases (‘F-
gases’) do not damage the ozone layer, but do have a significant global warming effect.
Therefore, in 2016, Parties to the Montreal Protocol agreed to add the most common type of F-
gas, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), to the list of controlled substances.4

Ozone layer recovery

The recognition of the dangers presented by chlorine and bromine to the ozone layer spawned an
international effort to restrict the production and the use of CFCs and other halocarbons. The
1987 Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer began the phaseout of
CFCs in 1993 and sought to achieve a 50 percent reduction in global consumption from 1986
levels by 1998. A series of amendments to the Montreal Protocol in the following years was
designed to strengthen the controls on CFCs and other halocarbons. By 2005 the consumption of
ozone-depleting chemicals controlled by the agreement had fallen by 90–95 percent in the
countries that were parties to the protocol.
During the early 2000s, scientists expected that stratospheric ozone levels would continue to rise
slowly over subsequent decades. Indeed, some scientists contended that, as levels of reactive
chlorine and bromine declined in the stratosphere, the worst of ozone depletion would pass.
Factoring in variations in air temperatures (which contribute to the size of ozone holes),
scientists expected that continued reductions in chlorine loading would result in smaller ozone
holes above Antarctica (which since 1992 have spanned more than 20.7 million square km [8
million square miles]) after 2040. The expected increases in ozone would be gradual primarily

4
Fluorinated greenhouse gases
because of the long residence times of CFCs and other halocarbons in the atmosphere. Total
ozone levels, as well as the distribution of ozone in the troposphere and stratosphere, would also
depend on other changes in atmospheric composition—for example, changes in levels of carbon
dioxide (which affects temperatures in both the troposphere and the stratosphere), methane
(which affects the levels of reactive hydrogen oxides in the troposphere and stratosphere that can
react with ozone), and nitrous oxide (which affects levels of nitrogen oxides in the stratosphere
that can react with ozone).

Scientists in 2014 observed a small increase in stratospheric ozone—the first, they thought, in
more than 20 years—which they attributed to worldwide compliance with international treaties
regarding the phaseout of ozone-depleting chemicals and to upper stratospheric cooling because
of increased carbon dioxide. Upon more thorough study, however, scientists in 2016 announced
that stratospheric ozone concentrations had actually been increasing in the upper stratosphere
since 2000 while the size of the Antarctic ozone hole had been decreasing.
Overall ozone concentrations away from the poles have continued to fall since 1998; however, a
2018 study showed that declines in ozone concentrations in the lower stratosphere contrasted
with gains made in the upper stratosphere between 60° N and 60° S. Another sign of the ozone
layer’s recovery occurred in September 2019, when scientists recorded the smallest ozone hole
since 1982 (some 16.3 million square km [6.3 million square miles] at its peak extent) above
Antarctica. (In 1982 the ozone hole’s peak extent was a little less than 16.1 million square km
[6.2 million square miles].)
Since ozone is a greenhouse gas, the breakdown and anticipated recovery of the ozone layer
affects Earth’s climate. Scientific analyses show that the decrease in stratospheric ozone
observed since the 1970s has produced a cooling effect—or, more accurately, that it has
counteracted a small part of the warming that has resulted from rising concentrations of carbon
dioxide and other greenhouse gases during this period. As the ozone layer slowly recovers in
the coming decades, this cooling effect is expected to recede5.

Health and Environmental Effects of Ozone Layer Depletion

5
https://www.epa.gov/ozone-layer-protection/health-and-environmental-effects-ozone-layer-depletion
Environmental Effects of Ozone Depletion and Its Interactions with Climate
Change: 2014 Assessment Exit
The Connection between Ozone Layer Depletion and UVB Radiation
Reduced ozone levels as a result of ozone depletionHelpozone depletionA chemical destruction
of the stratospheric ozone layer beyond natural reactions. Stratospheric ozone is constantly being
created and destroyed through natural cycles. Various ozone-depleting substances (ODS),
however, accelerate the destruction processes, resulting in lower than normal ozone levels. The
science page (6) offers much more detail on the science of ozone depletion. mean less protection
from the sun’s rays and more exposure to UVB radiation at the Earth’s surface. Studies have
shown that in the Antarctic, the amount of UVB measured at the surface can double during the
annual ozone hole.

Effects on Human Health

Ozone layer depletion increases the amount of UVB that reaches the Earth’s surface. Laboratory
and epidemiological studies demonstrate that UVB causes non-melanoma skin cancer and plays
a major role in malignant melanoma development. In addition, UVB has been linked to the
development of cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s lens.
Because all sunlight contains some UVB, even with normal stratospheric ozone levels, it is
always important to protect your skin and eyes from the sun. See a more detailed explanation of
health effects linked to UVB exposure.
EPA uses the Atmospheric and Health Effects Framework model to estimate the health benefits
of stronger ozone layer protection under the Montreal Protocol. Updated information on the
benefits of EPA’s efforts to address ozone layer depletion is available in a 2015 report, Updating
Ozone Calculations and Emissions Profiles for Use in the Atmospheric and Health Effects
Framework Model.

6
http://www.epa.gov/ozone/science/index.html
Effects on Plants

UVB radiation affects the physiological and developmental processes of plants. Despite
mechanisms to reduce or repair these effects and an ability to adapt to increased levels of UVB,
plant growth can be directly affected by UVB radiation.

Indirect changes caused by UVB (such as changes in plant form, how nutrients are distributed
within the plant, timing of developmental phases and secondary metabolism) may be equally or
sometimes more important than damaging effects of UVB. These changes can have important
implications for plant competitive balance, herbivory, plant diseases, and biogeochemical cycles.
Effects on Marine Ecosystems

Phytoplankton form the foundation of aquatic food webs. Phytoplankton productivity is limited
to the euphotic zone, the upper layer of the water column in which there is sufficient sunlight to
support net productivity. Exposure to solar UVB radiation has been shown to affect both
orientation and motility in phytoplankton, resulting in reduced survival rates for these organisms.
Scientists have demonstrated a direct reduction in phytoplankton production due to ozone
depletion-related increases in UVB.

UVB radiation has been found to cause damage to early developmental stages of fish, shrimp,
crab, amphibians, and other marine animals. The most severe effects are decreased reproductive
capacity and impaired larval development. Small increases in UVB exposure could result in
population reductions for small marine organisms with implications for the whole marine food
chain.

Effects on Biogeochemical Cycles

Increases in UVB radiation could affect terrestrial and aquatic biogeochemical cycles, thus
altering both sources and sinks of greenhouse and chemically important trace gases (e.g., carbon
dioxide, carbon monoxide, carbonyl sulfide, ozone, and possibly other gases). These potential
changes would contribute to biosphere-atmosphere feedbacks that mitigate or amplify the
atmospheric concentrations of these gases.

Effects on Materials

Synthetic polymers, naturally occurring biopolymers, as well as some other materials of

commercial interest are adversely affected by UVB radiation. Today's materials are somewhat
protected from UVB by special additives. Yet, increases in UVB levels will accelerate their
breakdown, limiting the length of time for which they are useful outdoors.
 CHAPTER V
Protecting the Ozone Layer; Protecting the Global Environment

India signed and ratified the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer in 1991
and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in 1992, signalling the
country’s commitments to the global cause of addressing the harmful effects of the ozone layer
depletion. Since 1993, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has played a
crucial role in the phase- out of ozone depleting substances by the Government of India and has
been instrumental in implementing US$ 40 million in multilateral fund projects.
As a result of support, India completely phased out production and consumption of
Chlorofluorocarbons, carbon tetrachloride and halons, man-made chemicals responsible for the
depletion of the Ozone Layer. This remarkable milestone was achieved two years ahead of
schedule. With this achievement, India has contributed significantly to this global environmental
cause, by reducing 25,000 ozone depleting particles tonnes and a further potential of 23,000
ozone depleting particles. carbon tetrachloride, a harmful chemical is used by some of the
largest steel manufacturing units in the country, to clean steel. Today, many steel companies,
including the country’s largest public sector undertaking in the steel sector, use tetrachloroethene
which is less harmful for the environment . manufacturers of metered dose inhalers have
completely transitioned to ozone-friendly and affordable alternatives, demonstrating the potential
for environment-friendly public health management in the country.
As a next step, UNDP is supporting the Government of India in phasing out
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) by 2030, as part of the country’s commitment to the
Montreal Protocol.
Since 1993, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has played a crucial role in
the phase- out of ozone depleting substances by the Government of India and has been
instrumental in implementing US$ 40 million in multilateral fund projects. As a result of support,
India completely phased out production and consumption of Chlorofluorocarbons, carbon
tetrachloride and halons, man-made chemicals responsible for the depletion of the Ozone Layer.
This remarkable milestone was achieved two years ahead of schedule. With this achievement,
India has contributed significantly to this global environmental cause, by reducing 25,000 ozone
depleting particles tonnes and a further potential of 23,000 ozone depleting particles.
UNDP has also supported close consultations with industry through the Ozone Cell, a separate
unit within the Ministry of Environment and Forests dedicated to protecting the ozone layer, to
ensure phase-out in harmony with the country’s National Industrial Development Strategy.
Updates to the strategy has focused on lessons learnt, and outlining of measures to phase out
remaining ozone depleting substances in the country.
The second phase of collaboration between UNDP and the Government in 2000-2010 supports
the phase out of other ozone-depleting chemicals in a diverse range of industries. For example,
carbon tetrachloride, a harmful chemical is used by some of the largest steel manufacturing units
in the country, to clean steel. Today, many steel companies, including the country’s largest
public sector undertaking in the steel sector, use tetrachloroethene which is less harmful for the
environment.
Results are also visible in the medical sector. India produces and exports millions of metered
dose inhalers each year, providing relief to countless people suffering from asthma. With UNDP
support, manufacturers of metered dose inhalers have completely transitioned to ozone-friendly
and affordable alternatives, demonstrating the potential for environment-friendly public health
management in the country. The country is now focusing attention on phasing out such
chemicals in foam, refrigeration and halon sector. As a next step, UNDP is supporting the
Government of India in phasing out (HCFCs) by 2030, as part of the country’s commitment to
the Montreal Protocol7.

7
Read more on Brainly.in - https://brainly.in/question/8174400#readmore
 CONCLUSION

Conclusion:
Ozone layer depletion is a deep crisis which leads to increased UV-B radiation reaching the
surface of the Earth affecting humans and all the living organisms. Anthropogenic activities this
have been the main cause for ozone layer depletion leading to global climatic changes in this
century. This leads to a number of health problems like heat-related issues, skin cancer, and
various other ecological disturbances that affect biotic life.
Hence every individual should be well aware of the harmful effects of all the causing agents of
ozone layer depletion like CFC, plastics, fossil fuel etc and should reduce and avoid using them.
We all should pledge to preserve nature and make this world sustainable for everyone to live.

Suggestions:

1= Avoid using refrigerators or air conditioners that run using CFC refrigerants.
2= Maintain devices using CFCs to prevent leakages.
3=Avoid aerosol products with CFC.
4=Avoid fossil fuels and use renewable fuel.
5=Use solar energy.

There is no doubt that the problem of ozone depletion exists and deserves extensive research and
attention. With the release of each and every CFC, our ozone layer takes one small step towards
its destruction. The decision to ban completely CFCs sooner than later cannot be decided by the
United States or even the United Nations. The entire world must unite in order to expel this
problem forever.
The effects of ozone depletion are real and of great global significance. Lower ozone levels
cause an increase in UV-B radiation reaching the earth’s surface harming plant, animal, and
marine life. Humans are adversely affected as well as the risk of skin cancer and decreased
immunity level becomes more serious. It is only in the last few years that effects of previous
legislation banning the use of CFCs are becoming apparent. Speeding the process of reduction
of CFCs can only help the environment.
 Still new problems arise that need to be addressed. Illegal trading of CFCs has become a
serious issue in the fight against ozone depletion. It is often easier for a company to buy or
smuggle illegal CFCs than it is to pay the increased costs due to heightened taxes.
It is important that we as individuals educate ourselves of the truths concerning the depletion of
ozone. If each human in this world would be willing to make a small sacrifice for the greater
good, the future of our ozone layer would undoubtedly would be secure.