Climate 101: Ozone Depletion

The earth consists of several layers starting from the lowest troposphere to the highest exosphere.
The second layer is the stratosphere which is 10km to 50kms long. The ozone layer is concentrated
in the stratosphere and is about 15-30 km long above the earth's surface. Ozone is a naturally
occurring molecule and consists of three oxygen atoms. The ozone layer acts as the earth's
sunscreen and protects it from the harmful ultraviolet radiation of the sun. The UV rays are
dangerous for the earth's people and cause skin cancer, eye damage, and immune system
suppression. The release of chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons in the atmosphere by human
activities has led to the thinning of the ozone layer. CFCs are used in aerosols, plastic products, and
air conditioners. These chemicals combine with the oxygen atoms in ozone, leading to the
destruction of the ozone molecules. Ozone depletion is increasing globally. The pollution emitted by
various countries of the northern hemisphere leads to ozone depletion over Antarctica. In 1989 the
Montreal Convention banned the production of ozone-depleting substances. Since then the amount
of ozone-depleting substances has been reduced in the air. Scientists have estimated that the
chlorine levels will return to their natural state in the next 50 years.