Ozone Layer and its

Depletion
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• The ozone layer is a region in the earth’s stratosphere that contains
high concentrations of ozone and protects the earth from the
harmful ultraviolet radiations of the sun.

• The ozone layer or ozone shield is a region of the Earth’s stratosphere

that absorbs most of the Sun’s Ultraviolet (UV) radiation
• It is a layer in the earth’s stratosphere that
contains high levels of ozone.
• This layer protects the earth from the
Sun’s harmful UV radiation. It absorbs 97
– 99% of the UV radiation from the Sun.
• In the absence of the ozone layer, millions
of people would be affected by skin
diseases including cancer and weakened
immune systems.
• UV radiation would also affect the
environment adversely leading to
decreased productivity.
• Fauna on earth is also adversely affected
by the ozone layer depletion.
• Scientists have discovered a hole in the ozone layer over the
Antarctic. This has focussed their concern on various environmental
issues and steps to control them. The main reasons for the ozone hole
are chlorofluorocarbons, carbon tetrachloride, methyl bromide and
hydrochlorofluorocarbons.

• Ozone layer depletion is the gradual thinning of the earth’s ozone

layer in the upper atmosphere caused due to the release
of chemical compounds containing gaseous bromine or chlorine
from industries or other human activities.
 Depletion
• This happens when the chlorine and bromine atoms in the
atmosphere come in contact with ozone and destroy the ozone
molecules. One chlorine can destroy 100,000 molecules of ozone. It is
destroyed more quickly than it is created.

• Montreal Protocol was proposed in 1987 to stop the use, production

and import of ozone-depleting substances and minimize their
concentration in the atmosphere to protect the ozone layer of the
earth.
 Causes
• Chlorofluorocarbons
• Unregulated Rocket Launches
• Nitrogenous Compounds
Ozone-Depleting Substances Sources

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) Refrigerators, air-conditioners, solvents, dry-cleaning

agents, etc.

Halons Fire-extinguishers

Carbon tetrachloride Fire extinguishers, solvents

Methyl chloroform Adhesives, aerosols

Hydrofluorocarbons Solvent cleaning, fire extinguishers, solvent cleaning

 Effects
• Effects on Human Health
• Effects on Animals
• Effects on the Environment
• Effects on Marine Life
 International efforts to reduce Ozone
Depletion
• Montreal Protocol

• Kigali Amendment to Montreal Protocol

 Mitigation
• Avoid Using Pesticides
• Minimize the Use of Vehicles
• Use Eco-friendly Cleaning Products
• Use of Nitrous Oxide should be Prohibited
• The continued adherence is key to any environmental action to ensure
that the problem doesn’t return.
• The recent detection of the ‘rogue’ production of CFC-11, one of the most
powerful ozone-depleting gases, is a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and
continued scientific investigations.
• There must be finance and technology transfer from developed
countries to developing countries.
• Research and development in refrigerating technologies should be
undertaken to find a replacement i.e. a non-ozone depleting substance
having minimal global warming potential.
• It’s high time that environmental issues like ozone depletion
should become part of public discourse, in this light civil society can help
raise public awareness.
• In pursuance of SDG 13, i.e. to take urgent action to combat climate
change and its impacts, addressing climate change and global warming
needs to the clubbed with safeguarding ozone. Therefore, Ozone day
cannot be about Ozone alone anymore.
• Largest Ozone Hole Ever Recorded over North Pole Has Now
‘Healed Itself’ and Closed. This was announced by Scientists who
were tracking the hole at Copernicus’ Atmospheric Monitoring
Service (CAMS).
• The ozone hole became the largest one ever recorded in the Arctic
region spanning an area of over 620,000 square miles (or
997793.28 kms). It was formed due to unusual climatic conditions.
• According to the scientists the
closure of the hole is not due to
the reduced pollution levels due
to COVID-19 lock down.
• The closing was because of a
phenomenon called the polar
vortex.
• It is described as a whirling cone
of low pressure over the
poles that is strongest in the
winter months due to the
increased temperature contrast
between the polar regions and
the mid-latitudes, such as the US
and Europe.