«© With excessive sound the walls of windows of the buildings are broken, the roofs rattle . eee nal in the mining areas, or sound of jet aeroplanes sometimes high-rise buildings collapse or cracks develop in them, dams, bridges, etc, * The sound effects of noise pollution caused by nuclear explosions spread through hundreds of kilometres so that biodiversity is threatened. ‘© Rocks, snowflakes and landslide incidents rise in snowy and mountainous areas, © Because of the noise, many creatures also speak loudly, which is called Lombard Vocal Response. Their vocal intensity increases in the presence of noise. It occurs as a response to ambient noise. + Due to excessive noise, there is a disruption in the studies of children too, as they do not get peaceful environment for study even in their homes. Climate Change Climate change is a change in the statistical distribution of weather pattems when that change lasts for an extended period of time (i.e., decades to millions of years). Climate change may refer to a change in average weather conditions, or in the time variation of weather within the context of longer-term average conditions. Climate change is caused by factors such as biotic processes, variations in solar radiation received by Earth, plate tectonics, and volcanic eruptions. Certain human activities have been identified as primary causes of ongoing climate change, often referred to as global warming. There is no general agreement in scientific, media or policy documents as to the precise term to be used to refer to anthropogenic forced change; either global warming” or "climate change" may be used. Scientists actively work to understand past and future climate by using observations and theoretical models. A climate record—extending deep into the Earth's past—has been assembled, and continues to be built up, based on geological evidence from borehole temperature profiles, cores removed from deep accumulations of ice, floral and faunal records, glacial and periglacial processes, stable-isotope and other analyses of sediment layers, and records of past sea levels. ‘More recent data are provided by the instrumental record. General circulation models, based on the physical sciences, are often used in theoretical approaches to match past climate data, make future projections, and link causes and effects in climate change. Factors that can shape climate are called climate forcings or "forcing mechanisms".These can be either "internal" or "external". Internal forcing mechanisms are natural processes within the climate system itself (e.g., the thermohaline circulation). External forcing mechanisms can be either anthropogenic - caused by humans - (e.g. increased emissions of greenhouse gases and dust) or natural (e.g., changes in solar output, the earth's orbit, volcano eruptions). Physical evidence to observe climate change includes a range of parameters. Global records of surface temperature are available beginning from the mid-late 19th century, For earlier periods, most of the evidence is indirect—climatic changes are inferred from changes in proxies, Scanned with CamScanner 4i i ion, i dendrochronology, sea level change, i that reflect climate, such as vegetation, ice cores, d cl BY, ge, and gla ecology. Other physical evidence includes arctic sea ice decline, cloud cover and precipitation, vegetation, animals and historical and archaeological evidence, Terminology The term "elimate change” is often used to refer specifically to anthropogenic climate change (also known as global warming). Anthropogenic climate change is caused by human activity, as opposed to changes in climate that may have resulted as part of Earth's natural processes, In this sense, especially in the context of environmental policy, the term climate change has become synonymous with anthropogenic global warming. Within scientific journals, global warming refers to surface temperature increases while climate change includes global warming and everything else that increasing greenhouse gas levels affect. A related term, "climatic change", was proposed by the World Meteorological Organization CWMO) in 1966 to encompass all forms of climatic variability on time-scales longer than 10 years, but regardless of cause. During the 1970s, the term climate change replaced climatic Change to focus on anthropogenic causes, as it became clear that human activities had a potential to drastically alter the climate. Climate change was incorporated in the title of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Climate change is now used as both a technical description of the Process, as well as a noun used to describe the problem. Causes On the broadest scale, the rate at which energy is received from the Sun and the rate at which it is lost to space determine the equilibrium temperature and climate of Earth. This energy is distributed around the globe by winds, ocean currents, and other mechanisms to affect the climates of different regions. Factors that can shape climate are called climate forcings or "forcing mechanisms",“) These include processes such as variations in solar radiation, variations in the Earth's orbit, variations in the albedo or reflectivity of the continents, atmosphere, and oceans, mountain-building and continental drift and changes in greenhouse gas concentrations, There are a variety of climate change feedbacks that can cither amplify or diminish the initial forcing, Some parts of the climate system, such as the oceans and ice caps, respond more slowly in reaction to climate forcings, while others respond more quickly, There are also key threshold factors which when exceeded can produce rapid change. Forcing mechanisms can be either “intemal” or "extemal", Intemal forcing mechanisms are natural processes within the climate system itself (€g., the thermohaline circulation), External forcing mechanisms can be either anliropogenic (e.g, increased emissions of greenhouse gases and dust) or natural (¢,, changes in solar output, the earth's orbit, voleano eruptions), ‘Whether the initial forcing mechanism is internal or extern: ; al, the response of the climate system might be fast (e.g., a sudden cooling due to airborne vole, anic ash reflecting sunlight), slow (e.g. Scanned with CamScanner1g ocean water), oF a combination (e.g., sudden loss of albedo in the Kis, followed by more gradual thermal expansion of the water). thermal expansion of warminy Arctic Ocean as sea ice mel 1 : ‘Therefore, the climate system can respond abruptly, but the full response to forcing mechanisms ‘might not be fully developed for centuries or even longer. Internal foreing mechanisms Scientists generally define the five components of earth's climate system to include atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, lithosphere (restricted to the surface soils, rocks, and sediments), and biosphere.Natural changes in the climate system ("internal forcings") result in internal "climate variability".Examples include the type and distribution of species, and changes in ocean- atmosphere circulations. Ocean-atmosphere varinbility The ocean and atmosphere can work together to spontaneously generate intemal climate variability that can persist for years to decades at a time. Examples of this type of variability include the El Nifio-Southem Oscillation (A warming of the ocean surface, or above-average sea surface temperatures (SST), in the central and easter tropical Pacific Ocean.), the Pacific decadal oscillation(The Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) is a robust, recurring patter of ocean-atmosphere climate variability centered over the mid-latitude Pacific basin), and the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (The Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) is a climate cycle that affects the sea surface temperature (SST) of the North Atlantic Ocean based on different modes on multidecadal timescales). These variations can affect global average surface temperature by redistributing heat between the deep ocean and the atmosphere and/or by altering the cloud/water vapor/sea ice distribution which can affect the total energy budget of the earth. The oceanic aspects of these circutations can generate variability on centennial timescales due to the ocean having hundreds of times more mass than in the atmosphere, and thus very high thermal inertia. For example, alterations to ocean processes such as thermohaline circulation play a key role in redistributing heat in the world’s oceans, Due to the long timescales of this circulation, ocean temperature at depth is still adjusting to effects of the Little Ice Agewhich occurred between the 1600 and 1800s. Life Life affects climate through its role in the carbon and water cycles and through such mechanisms as albedo, evapotranspiration, cloud formation, and weathering. Examples of how life may have affected past climate include: * glaciation 2.3 billion years ago triggered by the evolution of oxygenic photosynthesis, which depleted the atmosphere of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide and introduced free oxygen. * another glaciation 300 million years ago ushered in by long-term burial of decomposition-resistant detritus of vascular land-plants (creating a carbon sink and forming coal) Scanned with CamScanner+ termination of the Pateocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum $5 million years ago. by flourishing marine phytoplankton : + reversal of global warming 49-milion years ago by 800,000 years of arctic azolla bloomsglobal cooling over the past 40 million years driven by the expansion of grass- grazer ecosystems External forcing mechanisms Human influences Im the context of climate variation, anthropogenic factors are human activities which affect the climate, The scientific consensus on climate change is "that climate is changing and that these changes are in large part caused by human activities,” and it "is largely irreversible”, Of most concer in these anthropogenic factors is the increase in CO, levels. This is due to emissions from fossil fuel combustion, followed by aerosols (particulate matter in the atmosphere), and the CO released by cement manufacture. Other factors, including land use, ozone depletion, animal husbandry (ruminant animals such as cattle produce methane, as do termites), and deforestation, are also of concem in the roles they play—both separately and in Conjunction with other factors—in affecting climate, microclimate, and measures of climate variables, Orbital variations Slight variations in Earth's motion lead to changes in the seasonal distribution of sunlight reaching the Earth's surface and how it is distributed across the globe. There is very little change to the area-averaged annually averaged sunshine; but there can be strong changes in the Seographical and seasonal distribution. The three types of kinematic change are variations in Earth's eccentricity, changes in the tilt angle of Earth's axis of rotation, and precession of Earth's axis. Combined together, these produce Milankovitch cycles which affect climate and are notable for their correlation to glacial and interglacial periods, their correlation with the advance and retreat of the Sahara, and for their appearance in the stratigraphic record. The IPCC notes that Milankovitch cycles (Milankovitch cycles describe the collective effects of changes in the Earth's movements on its climate over thousands of years) drove the ice age cycles, CO; followed temperature change "with a lag of some hundreds of years", and that as a feedback amplified temperature change. The depths of the ocean have a lag time in changing temperature (thermal inertia on such scale). . Upon seawater temperature change, the solubility of (COr in the oceans changed, as well as other factors affecting air-sea CO; exchange, Solar output The Sun is the predominant source of energy input to the Earth, Other sources include geothermal energy from the Earth's core, tidal energy from the Moon and heat from the decay of radioactive compounds. Both long- and short-term variations in solar intensity are known 10 affect global climate. Scanned with CamScanneri ximately 4 billion years, the energy output of the Sun increased and Os te flowing aproxinael Sine” Geet Oxygenation Eventoxfenaon of the fraoephere ‘around 2.4 billion years ago—was the most notable alteration. Over the next five fulton nes fom the present, the Sun's ultimate death a it becomes ared giant and then a white dwarf will have large effects on climate, with the red giant phase possibly ending any life on Earth that survives until that time. Solar output varies on shorter time scales, including the 11-year solar cycleand longer-term odiloticns. Soler variation may also have affected some of the warming observed from 1900 to 1950. The cyclical nature of the Sun's energy output is not yet fully understood; it differs from the very slow change that is happening within the Sun as it ages and evolves. Some studies point toward solar radiation increases from cyclical sunspot activity affecting global warming, and climate may be influenced by the sum of all effects (solar variation, anthropogenic radiative forcings, etc.). A 2010 study!) suggests "that the effects of solar variability on temperature throughout the atmosphere may be contrary to current expectations." Volcanism The eruptions considered to be large enough to affect the Earth's climate on a scale of more than 1 year are the ones that inject over 100,000 tons of SO; into the stratosphere.”! This is due to the optical properties of SO: and sulfate aerosols, which strongly absorb or scatter solar radiation, creating a global layer of sulfuric acid haze.'**! On average, such eruptions occur several times per century, and cause cooling (by partially blocking the transmission of solar radiation to the Earth's surface) for a period of a few years. The eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991, the second largest terrestrial eruption of the 20th century, affected the climate substantially, subsequently global temperatures decreased by about 0.5 °C (0.9 °F) for up to three years." Thus, the cooling over large parts of the Earth reduced surface temperatures in 1991-93, the equivalent to a reduction in net radiation of 4 watts per square meter.'*" The Mount Tambora eruption in 1815 caused the Year Without a Summer. Much larger eruptions, known as large igneous provinces, occur only a few times every fifty — one hundred million years — through flood basalt, and caused in Earth past global warming and mass extinctions, Small eruptions, with injections of less than 0.1 Mt of sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere, affect the atmosphere only subtly, as temperature changes are comparable with natural variability. However, because smaller eruptions occur at a much higher frequency, they too significantly affect Earth's atmosphere 764 Seismic monitoring maps current and future trends in volcanic activities, and tries to develop early warning systems. In climate modelling the aim is to study the physical mechanisms and feedbacks of volcanic forcing! Scanned with CamScannerVoleanoes are also part of the extended carbon cycle. Over very long (geological) time periods, they release carbon dioxide from the Earth's crust and mantle, counteracting the uptake by sedimentary rocks and other geological carbon dioxide sinks, The US Geological Survey estimates are that voleanic emissions are at a much lower level than the effects of current human activities, which generate 100-300 times the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by volcanoes.) A review of published studies indicates that annual volcanic emissions of carbon dioxide, including amounts released from mid-ocean ridges, voleanic ares, and hot spot volcanoes, are only the equivalent of 3 to 5 days of human-caused output. The annual amount put out by human activities may be greater than the amount released by supererruptions the most recent of which was the Toba eruption in Indonesia 74,000 years ago.) Although volcanoes are technically part of the lithosphere, which itself is part of the climate system, the IPCC explicitly defines volcanism as an external forcing agent *" Plate tectonics The position of the continents determines the geometry of the oceans and therefore influences pattems of ocean circulation. The locations of the seas are important in controlling the transfer of heat and moisture across the globe, and therefore, in determining global climate. A recent example of tectonic control on ocean circulation is the formation of the Isthmus of Panama about 5 million years ago, which shut off direct mixing between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This strongly affected the ocean dynamics of what is now the Gulf Stream and may have led to Northern Hemisphere ice cover. During the Carboniferous period, about 300 to 360 million years ago, plate tectonics may have triggered large-scale storage of carbon and increased glaciation. Geologic evidence points to a "megamonsoonal” circulation pattem during the time of the supercontinent Pangaea, and climate modeling suggests that the existence of the supercontinent was conducive to the establishment of monsoons. The size of continents is also important. Because of the stabilizing effect of the oceans on temperature, yearly temperature variations are generally lower in coastal areas than they are inland. A larger supercontinent will therefore have more area in which climate is strongly seasonal than will several smaller continents or islands. Other mechanisms The Earth receives an influx of ionized particles known as cosmic rays from a variety of extemal sources, including the Sun. A hypothesis holds that an increase in the cosmic ray flux would increase the ionization in the atmosphere, leading to greater cloud cover. This, in tum, would tend to cool the surface, The non-solar cosmic ray flux may vary as a result of a nearby supernova event, the solar system passing through a dense interstellar cloud, or the oscillatory movement of the Sun's position with respect to the galactic plane. The latter can increase the flux of high-energy cosmic rays coming from the Virgo cluster. Large quantities of sulfate aerosols were kicked up into the atmosphere, decreasing global temperatures by up to 26 °C and producing sub-freezing temperatures for a period of 3-16 years. The recovery time for this event took more than 30 years. Scanned with CamScanner2B evidence and effects Evidence for climatic change is taken from a variety of sources that can be used to reconstruct past climates. Reasonably complete global records of surface temperature are available beginning from the mid-late 19th century. For earlier periods, most of the evidence is indirect— climatic changes are inferred from changes in proxies, indicators that reflect climate, such as vegetation, ice cores, dendrochronology, sea level change, and glacial geology. Glaciers Glaciers are considered among the most sensitive indicators of climate change. Their size is determined by a mass balance between snow input and melt output. As temperatures warm, glaciers retreat unless snow precipitation increases to make up for the additional melt; the converse is also true. Glaciers grow and shrink due both to natural variability and extemal forcings. Variability in temperature, precipitation, and englacial and subglacial hydrology can strongly determine the evolution of a glacier in’a particular season. Therefore, one must average over a decadal or Tonger time-scale and/or over many individual glaciers to smooth out the local short-term variability and obtain a glacier history that is related to climate, Glaciers leave behind moraines that contain a wealth of material—including organic matter, quartz, and potassium that may be dated—recording the periods in which a glacier advanced and retreated. Similarly, by tephrochronological techniques, the lack of glacier cover can be identified by the presence of soil or volcanic tephra horizons whose date of deposit may also be ascertained. Data from NASA's Grace satellites show that the land ice sheets in both Antarctica (upper chart) and Greenland (lower) have been losing mass since 2002. Both ice sheets have seen an acceleration of ice mass loss since 2009. Arctic sea ice decline The decline in Arctic sea ice, both in extent and thickness, over the last several decades is further evidence for rapid climate change. Sea ice is frozen seawater that floats on the ocean surface. It covers millions of square kilometers in the polar regions, varying with the seasons, In the Arctic, some sea ice remains year after year, whereas almost all Southem Ocean or Antarctic sea ice melts away and reforms annually. Satellite observations show that Arctic sea ice is now declining at a rate of 13.2 percent per decade, relative to the 1981 to 2010 average. The 2007 Arotic summer sea ice retreat was unprecedented, Decades of shrinking and thinning in a warm climate has put the Arctic sea ice in a precarious position, it is now vulnerable to atmospheric anomalies, " This decrease is because of lessened ice production as a result of the unusually high SAT. During the Arctic summer, a slower rate of sea ice production is the same as a faster rate of sea ice melting. Scanned with CamScannerIce cores ‘Analysis of ice in a core drilled from an ice sheet such as the Antarctic ice sheet, can be used to show a link between temperature and global sea level variations. The air trapped in bubbles in the ice can also reveal the CO) variations of the atmosphere from the distant past, well before modem environmental influences. The study of these ice cores has been a significant indicator of the changes in CO, over many millennia, and continues to provide valuable information about the differences between ancient and modem atmospheric conditions. Cloud cover and precipitation Past precipitation can be estimated in the modem era with the global network of precipitation gauges. Surface coverage over oceans and remote areas is relatively sparse, but, reducing reliance on interpolation, satellite clouds and precipitation data has been available since the 1970s. Quantification of climatological variation of precipitation in prior centuries and epochs is less complete but approximated using proxies such as marine sediments, ice cores, cave stalagmites, and tree rings. In July 2016 scientists published evidence of increased cloud cover over polar regions, as predicted by climate models. Climatological temperatures substantially affect cloud cover and precipitation. For instance, during the Last Glacial Maximum of 18,000 years ago, thermal-driven evaporation from the oceans onto continental landmasses was low, causing large areas of extreme desert, including polar deserts (cold but with low rates of cloud cover and precipitation). In contrast, the world’s climate was cloudier and wetter than today near the start of the warm Atlantic Period of 8000 years ago. Vegetation ‘A change in the type, distribution and coverage of vegetation may occur given a change in the climate. Some changes in climate may result in increased precipitation and warmth, resulting in improved plant growth and the subsequent sequestration of airborne COz. A gradual increase in warmth in a region will lead to earlier flowering and fruiting times, driving a change in the timing of life cycles of dependent organisms. Conversely, cold will cause plant bio-cycles to lag. Larger, faster or more radical changes, however, may result in vegetation stress, rapid plant loss and desertification in certain circumstances. An example of this occurred during the Carboniferous Rainforest Collapse (CRC), an extinction event 300 million years ago, At this time vast rainforests covered the equatorial region of Europe and America. Climate change devastated these tropical rainforests, abruptly fragmenting the habitat into isolated ‘islands’ and causing the extinction of many plant and animal species. Such stress can alter the growth rate of trees, which allows scientists to infer climate trends by analyzing the growth rate of tree rings. ‘This branch of climate science is called dendroclimatology, and is one of the many ways they research climate trends prior to written records. Scanned with CamScannerForest genetic resources Even though this is a field with many uncertainties, it is expected that over the next 50 years climate changes will have an effect on the diversity of forest genetic resources and thereby on the distribution of forest tree species and the composition of forests. Diversity of forest genetic resourves enables the potential for a species (or a population) to adapt to climatic changes and related future challenges such as temperature changes, drought, pests, diseases and forest fire. However, species are not naturally capable to adapt in the pace of which the climate is changing and the increasing temperatures will most likely facilitate the spread of pests and diseases, creating an additional threat to forest trees and their populations. To inhibit these problems human interventions, such as transfer of forest reproductive material, may be needed. Pollen analysis Palynology is the study of contemporary and fossil palynomorphs, including pollen, Palynology is used to infer the geographical distribution of plant species, which vary under different climate conditions. Different groups of plants have pollen with distinctive shapes and surface textures, and since the outer surface of pollen is composed of a very resilient material, they resist decay. Changes in the type of pollen found in different layers of sediment in lakes, bogs, or river deltas indicate changes in plant communities. These changes are often a sign of a changing climate. As an example, palynological studies have been used to track changing vegetation patterns throughout the Quatemary glaciations and especially since the last glacial maximum. Animals Remains of beetles are common in freshwater and land sediments. Different species of beetles tend to be found under different climatic conditions. Given the extensive lineage of beetles whose genetic makeup has not altered significantly over the millennia, knowledge of the present climatic range of the different species, and the age of the sediments in which remains are found, past climatic conditions may be inferred. Similarly, the historical abundance of various fish species has been found to have a substantial relationship with observed climatic conditions. ‘Changes in the primary productivity of autotrophs in the oceans can affect marine food webs. Historical and archaeological evidence Climate change in the recent past may be detected by corresponding changes in settlement and agricultural pattems. Archaeological evidence, oral history and historical documents can offer insights into past changes in the climate, Climate change effects have been linked to the tise and also the collapse of various civilizations. Causes of Global Warming 1, Carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel burning power plants Our ever increasing addiction to electricity from coal buming power plants releases enormous amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. 40% of U.S. CO2 emissions come from Scanned with CamScannerlectricity production, and buming coal accounts for 93% of emissions from the electric utility industry. Every day, more electric gadgets flood the market, and without widespread alternative energy sources, we are highly dependent on burning coal for our personal and commercial electrical supply. 2, Carbon dioxide emissions from burning gasoline for transportation Our modem car culture and appetite for globally sourced goods is responsible for about 33% of emissions in the U.S. [EPA pg. 8] With our population growing at an alarming rate, the demand for more cars and consumer goods means that we are increasing the use of fossil fuels for transportation and manufacturing. Our consumption is outpacing our discoveries of ways to mitigate the effects, with no end in sight to our massive consumer culture. 3. Methane emissions from animals, agriculture such as rice paddies, and from Arctic seabeds Methane is another extremely potent greenhouse gas, ranking right behind CO2. When organic matter is broken down by bacteria under oxygen-starved conditions (anaerobic decomposition) as in rice paddies, methane is produced. The process also takes place in the intestines of herbivorous animals, and with the increase in the amount of concentrated livestock production, the levels of methane released into the atmosphere is increasing. Another source of methane is, methane clathrate, a compound containing large amounts of methane trapped in the crystal structure of ice, As methane escapes from the Arctic seabed, the rate of global warming will increase significantly. 4, Deforestation, especially tropical forests for wood, pulp, and farmland The use of forests for fuel (both wood and for charcoal) is one cause of deforestation, but in the first world, our appetite for wood and paper products, our consumption of livestock grazed on former forest land, and the use of tropical forest lands for commodities like palm oil plantations contributes to the mass deforestation of our world. Forests remove and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and this deforestation releases large amounts of carbon, as well as reducing the amount of carbon capture on the planet. 5. Increase in usage of chemical fertilizers on croplands In the last half of the 20th century, the use of chemical fertilizers (as opposed to the historical use of animal manure) has risen dramatically. The high rate of application of nitrogen-rich fertilizers has effects on the heat storage of cropland (nitrogen oxides have 300 times more heat-trapping capacity per unit of volume than carbon dioxide) and the run-off of excess fertilizers creates “dead-zones’ in our oceans. In addition to these effects, high nitrate levels in groundwater due to over-fertilization are cause for concern for human health. Scanned with CamScanner ESerious Effects of Global Warming In the past, scientists have been skeptical of blaming increasing temperatures on global warming. ‘As we head into future ventures of technology and ingenuity, the science community has steadily stepped on board with the Environmental Protection Agency and other believers in global warming to do something about it. Like never before, scientists are seeing growing rates of increased climate change. Melting polar ice-caps, the collapse of vegetation and wildlife, and violent surges of hurricanes more rampant in the past, are all concerning reasons to understand how climate change can effect so many faucets on planet earth. Global warming doesn’t just mean the earth’s getting warmer. Global warming’s massive impact on social, economic, and physical health are areas for great distress, Global Warming is already affecting the human kind, plant and animals in number of ways through increased ocean levels, droughts and changed weather pattems. It is well recognized by scientists around the world as a serious public health and environmental concer, Here are 24 effects of global warming on the environment. Below is the list of effects that global warming is having on environment, climate and human kind. 1, Melting of Glaciers: The melting of glaciers will create plethora of problems for human kind and the animals living on the earth. Due to increased global warming, the level of the sea will rise which will lead to flooding and this will in tum create havoc in human life. Apart from raising the sea levels, it will also endanger several species of animals and thus will hamper the balance of the ecosystem. Areas in the Arctic are diminishing away and flowing into major oceans. Rising temperatures create a much accelerated threat to wildlife and whole ecosystems in these regions. With glaciers melting at vast rates, a chain of events is being set into motion that cannot be reversed. 2. Climate Change: Irregular weather patterns have already started showing results. Increased precipitation in the form of rain have already been noticed in polar and sub-polar regions. More global warming will lead to more evaporation which will cause more rains. Animals and plants cannot easily adapt to increased rainfall. Plants may die and animals may migrate to other areas, which can cause entire ecosystem out of balance. 3, Droughts: While it may be flooding in Savannah, severe drought is happening elsewhere in the world, As temperatures warm, the presence of drought has increased in the westem U.S. Add on top of that heat waves and no precipitation, whole forests have begun to disappear including tens of millions of trees in Colorado's Rockies. Large scale evaporation will be the major cause of droughts in many places particularly Africa. Although, it is reeling under the huge pressure of water crisis, increased global warming would farther make the situation worse and will cause malnutrition, Scanned with CamScanner4, Diseases: As the temperature becomes more warm, it can affect the health of humans and the 4. Dison ns posed to, With the inerease inthe rainfall, water bome diseases ae ikely to Sect ike aaara. The cart will become more warm and as a result heat waves are likely to increase that can cause a major blow to the people. 5, Hurriennes Frequency: As the temperature of the oceans rises, hurricanes and other storms are likely to become stronger. With the increase in the global warming, the water in the ovean avarms up and it heats up the surrounding air, creating hurricanes, 6, Rise of Sea Levels: The melting of polar ice-caps and less water evaporating into the atmosphere are causing increased sea levels. Quaint coastal towns and cities near the U.S. east coast and Gulf of Mexico are just a few areas where devastating flood damage is starting to make its mark in history. 7. Agriculture: Global warming can affect agriculture. Although the results are not visible yet, but it may show it's effects in years to come. As the global temperature will increase, plants will find it harder to survive and will die, Plants are the major source of food for human. beings and as a result food shortage may occur. The shortage of the food may lead to war and conflicts in some countries. 8. Heat Waves: If you thought last summer's headlines of record changing temperature was mind blowing, just wait. Because of greenhouse gases and other causes, unexpected streaks of severe weather are just the tips of the iceberg in global warming. Heat waves cause dangerously hot weather and in recent years, more deaths have occurred due to heat waves than in the last sixty years. 9, Frequent Wildfires: While wildfires are a natural occurrence, with the added carbon dioxide in the air, and hotter summers, the evidence speaks for itself. More frequent wildfires continue to surface in vast amounts each year. The rate at which they bur is longer than the last, and. with the release of carbon dioxide into the air, not only are people’s lives in danger, but wildlife severely suffers. Each time a wildfire bums, the less oxygen there is to combat the dangerous amounts of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere. 10. Severe Precipitation: Not only is there insurmountable scientific evidence that global warming is increasing, certain types of events, including extreme precipitation is on the rise. Global warming also creates conditions that can lead to more powerful hurricanes and summer storms. Cities and towns on the coast, where sea levels are already rising, face even more challenges as precipitation poses severe flooding. 11. Longer/Shorter Seasons: Are you a lover of fall? Maybe spring is your favorite season. Whatever weather and climate you enjoy, it could be happening sooner and shorter, or later and longer. Global warming affects show spring is occurring 10 days sooner than it has in the past. While it may be nice to go from snow pants to shorts sooner, this could cause flooding from reservoirs filling too soon, and droughts were there’s not enough precipitation to provide adequate nourishment for crops. Scanned with CamScanner12, Crops: If sensons are changing, Weather patterns are going berserk, and flooding is occurring due to rising sea levels, our erops are barely getting a fighting chance. Once the food processing industry goes haywire, the economy will really start getting interesting, The price of staple crops. could sky rocket causing major inflation and more economic woes. 13. Oceans: It’s reported that coral reefs are continuing to see diminished presence in the ocean due to global warming, Temperature changes affect more than what's happening on our lands, Once coral reefs are affected, entire ecosystems that thrive become obsolete, 14, Food Chain: Change the time and seasons and birds are flying south for winter sooner, hibernation takes longer, and a whole series of events is set in motion for complete collapse of animal life. The entire food chain could be disrupted and enormous consequences could follow. 15. Health Risks: As more carbon dioxide is trapped in the atmosphere, breathable air becomes harder to come by. If global warming continues, the U.S. is looking at 60 billion dollars to combat respiratory diseases and symptoms. 16. Animal Extinction: Nature's best is beautifully displayed in every nook of planet earth-the majestic lion, to the humble deer. Imagine whole populations where animals can no longer thrive. With such a vast eruption in the animal kingdom, our own world becomes in danger. 17. Quality of Life: If doing simple things like taking a walk outside or working in your garden, become unenjoyable due to severe heat waves, think of the quality of life on a much larger scale. With rising global temperature, even the smallest things we took for granted will be sorely missed. 18, Economic Collapse: Who knows how badly the economy could get with decreased vitality of crops, productions, and manufacturing items. Without having nature on our side, the food industry will fall apart. Without the resources to feed the world, manufacturing will collapse. Hunger will be our biggest battle. 19. Air Quality: As more chain of events are set in motion, air quality will continue to get worse. As bad as it is now in some areas in the world, multiply that by a million. 20. Decreased Population: If global warming goes unchecked, it's estimated the world’s human population would decrease by 75 percent, With the increasing severity of storms, floods, earthquakes, and wildfires, natural disasters would diminish half of the earth's population. ‘Another 25 percent would succumb to air related illnesses, starvation, and poverty. 21, Human Extinction: What little would remain of the earth as we know it, would be a sliver. The rest of the human population would have to find and implement alternative energy on a consistent and regulated basis. It's hard to imagine, but each of these events affects another event. Pretty soon, the domino effect will reach home. There’s plenty that can be done to guarantee these effects won’t become earth’s ultimate fate "Scanned with CamScanner22, Golug off the Geld: Ifyou can’t stand to go without power during » thunderstorm, imagine 2a oo Cctreal infrastructure going off the gr, With the eurrent threat of increasing storms aes eat aftermaths of hurricanes and tropical storms, it would only take a few hits to erumble our electrical system. 23, Fresh Water: Our fresh water supply will great diminish with global warming, With the demise of coral reefs and the ecosystems therein, less fresh water will flow into lakes and tributaries. 24, Disappearing Countries: Countries like Greenland are deteriorating at a highly elevated rate. Beautiful cities, even continents could one day be part of a vast sea. Here are 35 common sense, yet practical and ensy ways to stop or prevent global warming and not have to seck colonization on another planet. Global Warming Prevention 1. Replace Regular Incandescent Light bulb: Replace regular incandescent light bulb with compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. They consume 70% less energy then ordinary bulbs and have longer lifetime. 2. Drive Less or Carpool: By driving less you are not only saving fuel but also helping in reducing global warming. Also, look out for other possibilities, for e.g.: car pooling. If you have colleagues who live in the same area then you can combine trips. If you need to go to a local market then either walk or go by cycle. Both of them are great form of exercise. The biggest pollution emitting fumes are caused by oil and gasoline, Cutting down consumption, is a huge step to reducing energy wastes. 3, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Reduce your need to buy new products or use less, resulting in a smaller amount of waste. Even if you need to buy, consider buying eco-friendly products. It is most effective of the three R’s. It simply says cut back from where are you now. Reuse bottles, plastic containers, and other items bought at the grocery store. Reusing water bottles, yogurt cups, bread ties, and other items is being conscious about what is already out there, It will lessen having to purchase other items that would fulfill the same function. Try to use the disposable products into some other form, Just don’t throw them away. Recycling unwanted paper, bottles, et...is a great earth saving tip. If possible, upeycle tables, furniture, and other outdated items to keep landfills clean, You can recycle almost anything for e.g: paper, aluminum foils, cans, newspapers. By recycling you can help in reducing landfills. 4. Go Solar: Many people have caught the energy efficient band wagon of solar energy. Having solar panels installed is something readily possible and available, Incentives and discounts given by government agencies and energy companies make solar energy something to look into. Scanned with CamScanner5. Buy Energy-Efficient Appliances: Always buy products that are energy efficient as they can help you save good amount of money on your energy bill, Energy-efficient products can help you to save energy, save money and reduce your carbon footprint. 6. Reduee Waste: Landfills are the major contributor of methane and other greenhouse gases, ‘When the waste is burnt, it release toxic gases in the atmosphere which result in global warming, Reusing and recycling old items can significantly reduce your carbon footprint as it takes far less energy to recycle old items than to produce items from scratch. 7. Use Less Hot Water: Buy energy saving geysers and dishwasher for your home. Avoid washing clothes in hot water. Just wash them in cold or warm water. Avoid taking frequent showers and use less hot water. It will help in saving energy require to produce that energy. 8. Avoid Products With Lot of Packaging: Just don’t buy products with lot of packaging. When you buy such products you will end up in throwing the waste material in the garbage, which then will help in filling landfill sites and pollute the environment. Also, discourage others from buying such products, 9. Install a Programmable Thermostat: A programmable thermostat doesn’t cost much and its cost can be recovered from the amount that you save by reducing energy. The easiest and most cost effective advice is simply adjusting your thermostat up 1 degree down in the winter and up by 1 degree in the summer. Lower your thermostat 2 degrees in the winter. Instead of making your home a buming furnace, try putting on extra layers. 10. Turn Off the Lights: Duh! If you’re not using a room, there’s no need for the light to be on. 11. Turn off Electronic Devices: Tum off electronic devices when you are moving out for a couple of days or more. Unnecessary usage of electronic appliances will not only save fuel ice. coal by which we get electricity but also increase the lifetime of your gadgets. 12, Plant a Tree: Planting trees can help much in reducing global warming then any other method, They not only give oxygen but also take in carbon dioxide, during the process of photosynthesis, which is the main source of global warming. 13. Use Clean Fuel: Electric, smart cars, cars run on vegetable oil, etc...are great examples for using renewable energy. Supporting companies that provide these products will help the rest of the mainstream manufacturing companies convert over. 14. Look for Renewable Fuel Options: If you can’t afford an electric car, buy the cleanest gasoline as possible. When car shopping, look at the benefits of options that provide renewable fuel, Although it may be a pretty penny now, you're on the ground level of forward thinking. 15. Save Energy: When you consume less, the less carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. Setting your thermostat using your smart phone or changing the type of light bulb you use is a great start, Scanned with CamScanner16, Replace Filters on Air Conditioner and Furnace: If you haven't, not only are you wasting energy, but breathing in dirty air. Cleaning a dirty air filter can save several pounds of carbon dioxide a year, 17, Go Green: Using energy star appliances will not only save money, but also the amount of energy wasted in your home, Have a look at various ways to go green. 18. Tune Your Car Regularly: Regular maintenance will help your car function properly and emit less carbon dioxide. 19, Download Earth Saving Apps: Apps like Kil-Ur-Watts and Wiser EMS not only help calculate your energy costs, but provide tools and ways to save energy and money. 20. Conserve Water: This is a tired tip, but ever so important. If we added up the water wasted by the millions of Americans brushing their teeth, we could provide water to more than 23 nations with unclean, drinking water. Remember, it takes energy to draw and filter water from underground. Taking a quick 5 minute shower will greatly conserve energy. The type of shower head used, will also aid in combating global warming. Take showers instead of baths. Showers use less water than baths by 25%. Over the course of a year that’s hundreds of gallons saved. 21. Stop Idling Your Car: It might be freezing outside, but unless your car is buried in snow, start your car as usual. It may take longer to warm up, but the world isn’t just about you. 22, Eat Less Hamburger: Besides carbon dioxide, methane introduced into the air contributes to global warming. With meat consumed by the seconds, the amount of cows breathing out ‘methane is a huge contributor, thanks to our camivorous diet and the billion-dollar meat industry. 23. Use Clothesline to Dry Your Clothes: Think of your grandmother when you do this. Most clothes shouldn’t be put in the dryer anyway. 24, Eat Naturally: Not only do the health benefits speak wonders for those who eat naturally, but it cuts down the energy costs used by factories who produce processed food. 25, Ride Your Bike: Not only is bike riding, healthy it reduces the amount of CO2 released into the air, Walking is another easy way to reduce global warming. 26. Use a Kitchen Cloth Instead of Paper Towels: Paper towels produce nothing but wasted energy. Think of the factory pollution, as well as the tree consumption. 27. Reuse Towels: Hang towels to dry, instead of popping them back in the wash after a few uses. 28, Check Your Tires: When you drive make sure your tires are inflated properly. If not, then your vehicle might consume more fuel which in tum release more CO2 in the atmosphere. Keep Scanned with CamScanneryour engine properly tuned and drive less aggressively. Aggressive driving and frequent applying of brakes hampers the engine and can even lower the mileage of your car. 29. Take Lunch in a Tupperware: Each time you throw away that brown paper sack, more brown paper sacks are being produced in a factory as we speak. 30. Wrap your water heater in insulation: By keeping the energy in the water heater condensed, less energy is emitted into the air. This not only helps the earth, but your pocketbook. 31. Get Home Energy Audit Done: Call a home energy audit company and get an audit done for your home that will help you to identify areas that consume lot of energy and are not energy efficient at all. 32. Become Part of the Global Warming Community: Connecting with others will help you become more conscious of the impact we all have. The Climate Change National Forum and Global Humanitarian Forum are great avenues to know the latest facts, statistics, and efforts in making a difference. 33. Actually celebrate Arbor Day and Earth day: Although most of us hear about these days in passing, see what the buzz is all about, Plant a tree, pick up trash, or join a forum. 34, Become Aware of Your Contribution: With technology within your fingertips, finding information about protecting the environment is everywhere. To help emit less CO2, the first step is being aware of how much you contribute. 35. Spread the Awareness: Always try your best to educate people about global warming and it’s causes and after affects. Tell them how they can contribute their part by saving energy that will be good for the environment. Gather opportunities and establish programs that will help you to share information with friends, relatives and neighbors. By being just a little more mindful, we all can play our part in combating global warming. These easy tips will help preserve the planet for future generations. Scientists won't have to defy the space time continuum to keep life on planet earth from continuing. Ozone layer depletion “The ozone layer” refers to the ozone within stratosphere, where over 90% of the earth's ozone resides, Ozone is an irritating, corrosive, colorless gas with a smell something like burning electrical wiring. In fact, ozone is easily produced by any high-voltage electrical arc (spark plugs, Van de Graaff generators, Tesla cols, arc welders). Ozone is atr-atomie form of oxygen, ve. each molecule of ozone has three oxygen atoms and is produced when oxygen molecules (02) are broken up by energetic electrons or high energy radiation. Thus, itis formed naturally in the upper levels of the Earth’s atmosphere by high-energy ultraviolet radiation from the Sun. As the radiation breaks down oxygen molecules, releasing free atoms, some of which bond wit Scanned with CamScannerother oxygen molecules to form ozone, About 90 per cent of all ozone formed in this way lies between 13 and 55 kilometres above the Earth's surface ~ the part of the atmosphere called the stratosphere. Hence, this is known as the ‘ozone layer’, Even in the ozone layer, ozone is present in very small quantities; its maximum concentration, at a height of about 20-25 kilometres, is only ten parts per million, ; ‘Ozone is an unstable molecule, High-energy radiation from the Sun not only creates it, but also breaks it down again, recreating molecular oxygen and free oxygen atoms. The concentration of ozone in the atmosphere depends on a dynamic balance between how fast it is created and how fast it is destroyed, Depletion of stratospheric ozone (03), as commonly known as ‘the hole in the ozone layer’, is an issue of intemationat concern. Most ozone is found in the stratosphere (upper part of the atmosphere), more than 10 to 16 kms from the surface of the Earth. The natural distribution of ozone around the Earth is not uniform, as seasonal winds and formation pattems contribute to lower concentrations at the equator and higher concentrations at the poles. Ozone in the stratosphere protects life on Earth as it limits penetration of ultraviolet radiation through the atmosphere, but it is considered a pollutant in the troposphere (close to the ground). The amount of ozone in the atmosphere is measured in Dobson units (DU). One DU is about twenty-seven million molecules per square centimeter. The average thickness of the atmospheric ozone layer at any place varies from month to month, but is generally between 260 and 330 DU. The Earth's atmosphere is divided into several layers. The lowest region, the troposphere, extends from the Earth’s surface up to about 10 kilometers (km) in altitude. Virtually all human. activities occur in the troposphere. Mt. Everest, the tallest mountain on the planet, is only about 9 km high. The next layer, the stratosphere, continues from 10 km to about 50 km. Most commercial airline traffic occurs in the lower part of the stratosphere. For nearly a billion years, ‘ozone molecules in the atmosphere have protected life on Earth from the effects of ultraviolet rays. It is a form of oxygen (02). We all know that, oxygen we need to live and breathe, Normal oxygen consists of two oxygen atoms. Ozone, however, consists of three oxygen atoms and has the chemical formula 3. Ozone is formed when an electric spark is passed through oxygen. (Over millions of years the action of sunlight and specifically the action of ultra violet light or UV on oxygen has created a layer of ozone high up in the atmosphere. This ozone layer resides in the stratosphere and surrounds the entire Earth. The action of UV light on this layer both destroys and creates ozone, a constant process going on silently. Thus, this process of absorbing portion of UV light, protecting us from the harmful exposure. In fact, UV-B radiation (280- to 315- nanometer (nm) wavelength) from the Sun is partially absorbed in this ozone layer. As a result, the amount of UV-B reaching Earth's surface is greatly reduced, UV-A (315- to 400-nm wavelength) and other solar radiation are not strongly absorbed by the ozone layer. Human exposure to UV-B increases the risk of skin cancer, cataracts, and a suppressed immune system. UV-B exposure can also damage terrestrial plant life, single cell organisms, and aquatic ecosystems, In the past 60 years or so human activities have contributed to the deterioration of the ozone layer to a great extent. Scanned with CamScannerCauses of ozone depletion Ozone depletion occurs when the natural balance between the production and destruction of stratospheric ozone is tipped in favour of destruction. Although natural phenomena can cause temporary ozone loss, chlorine and bromine released from man-made compounds such as Circe are now accepted as the main eause of this depletion. It was first suggested by Drs. M. Molina and S, Rowland in 1974 that a man-made group of compounds known as the chlorofluorocarbone (CECs) were likely to be the main source of ozone depletion. However, this idea was not taken seriously until the discovery of the ozone hole over Antarctica in 1985 by the Survey. Chlorofluorocarbons are not "washed" back to Earth by rain or destroyed in reactions with other chemicals. They simply do not break down in the lower atmosphere and they can remain in the atmosphere from 20 to 120 years or more. As a consequence of their relative stability, CFCs are instead transported into the stratosphere where they are eventually broken down by ultraviolet (UV) rays from the Sun, releasing free chlorine. The chlorine becomes actively involved in the Process of destruction of ozone. The net result is that two molecules of ozone are replaced by three of molecular oxygen, leaving the chlorine free to repeat the process: Cl+03=Clo +02 ClO+O=Cl+02 Ozone is converted to oxygen, leaving the chlorine atom free to repeat the process up to 100,000 times, resulting in a reduced level of ozone. Bromine compounds, or halons, can also destroy stratospheric ozone. Compounds containing chlorine and bromine from man-made compounds are known as industrial halocarbons. Emissions of CFCs have accounted for roughly 80% of total stratospheric ozone depletion. Thankfully, the developed world has phased out the use of (CECs in response to intemational agreements to protect the ozone layer. However, because CFCs remain in the atmosphere so long, the ozone layer will not fully repair itself until at least the middle of the 21st century. Naturally occurring chlorine has the same effect on the ozone layer, but has a shorter life span in the atmosphere. A. Chlorofluorocarbons Chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs (also known as Freon) are non-toxic, non-flammable and non- carcinogenic, They contain fluorine atoms, carbon atoms and chlorine atoms. The 5 main CFCs include CFC-11 (trichlorofluoromethane - CFCI3), CFC-12 (dichloro-difluoromethane CF2CI2), CFC-113 (trichloro-trifluoroethane - C2F3C13), CFC-114 (dichloro-tetrfluoroethane - C2F4CI2), and CFC-115 (chloropentafluoroethane - C2FSCI).CFCs are widely used as coolants in refrigeration and air conditioners, as solvents in cleaners, particularly for electronic circuit boards, as a blowing agents in the production of foam (for example fire extinguishers), and as propellants in aerosols. Indeed, much of the modem lifestyle of the second half of the 20th century had been made possible by the use of CFCs. Man-made CFCs however, are the main cause of stratospheric ozone depletion. CFCs have a lifetime in the atmosphere of about 20 to 100 years, and consequently one free chlorine atom from a CFC molecule can do a lot of damage, destroying ozone molecules for a long time, Although emissions of CFCs around the developed world have largely ceased due to international control agreements, the damage to the Scanned with CamScanner | |stratospheric ozone layer will continue well into the 21" century, Effect of ozone layer depletion A. Effects on Human and Animal Health. Increased penetration of solar UV-B radiation is likely to have profound impact on human health with potential risks of eye diseases, skin cancer and infectious diseases. UV radiation is known to damage the comea and lens of the eye. Chronic exposure to UV-B could lead to cataract of the cortical and posterior subcapsular forms, UV-B radiation can adversely affect the immune system causing a number of infectious diseases. In light skinned human populations, itis likely to develop nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC). Experiments on animals show that UV exposure decreases the immune response to skin cancers, infectious agents and other antigens. B. Effects on Terrestrial Plants It is a known fact that the physiological and developmental processes of plants are affected by UV-B radiation. Scientists believe that an increase in UV-B levels would necessitate using more UV-B tolerant cultivar and breeding new tolerant ones in agriculture. In forests and grasslands increased UV-B radiation is likely to result in changes in species composition (mutation) thus altering the bio-diversity in different ecosystems. UV-B could also affect the plant community indirectly resulting in changes in plant form, secondary metabolism, etc. These changes can have important implications for plant competitive balance, plant pathogens and bio-geochemical cycles. C. Effects on Aquatic Ecosystems While more than 30 percent of the world’s animal protein for human consumption comes from the sea alone, it is feared that increased levels of UV exposure can have adverse impacts on the productivity of aquatic systems. High levels of exposure in tropics and subtropics may affect the distribution of phytoplanktons which form the foundation of aquatic food webs. Reportedly a recent study has indicated 6-12 percent reduction in phytoplankton production in the marginal ice zone due to increases in UV-B. UV-B can also cause damage to early development stages of fish, shrimp, crab, amphibians and other animals, the most severe effects being decreased reproductive capacity and impaired larval development. D. Effects on Bio-geo-chemical Cycles Increased solar UV radiation could affect terrestrial and aquatic bio-geo-chemical cycles thus altering both sources and sinks of greenhouse and important trace gases, e.g. carbon dioxide (C02), carbon monoxide (CO), carbonyl sulphide (COS), etc. These changes would contribute to biosphere-atmosphere feedbacks responsible for the atmosphere build-up of these gases. Other effects of increased UV-B radiation include: changes in the production and decomposition of plant matter; reduction of primary production changes in the uptake and release of important atmospheric gases; reduction of bacterioplankton growth in the upper ocean; increased degradation of aquatic dissolved organic matter (DOM), ete. Aquatic nitrogen cycling can be Scanned with CamScanneraffected by enhanced UV-B through inhibition of nitrifying bacteria and photodecompositi simple inorganic species such as nitrate, The marine sulphur cycle may also be affected seertic in possible changes in the sea-to-air emissions of COS and dimethylsulfied (DMS), twe wae that are degraded to sulphate aerosols in the stratosphere and tropospiire, respectively.” E. Effects on Air Quality Reduction of stratospheric ozone and increased penetration of UV-B radiation result in higher photo dissociation rates of key trace gases that control the chemical reactivity of the troposphere. This can increase both production and destruction of ozone and related oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide which are known to have adverse effects on human health, terrestrial plants and outdoor materials. Changes in the atmospheric concentrations of the hydroxyl radical (OH) may change the atmospheric lifetimes of important gases such as methane and substitutes of chlorofluoro carbons (CFCs). Increased troposphere reactivity could also lead to increased production of particulates such as cloud condensation nuclei from the oxidation and subsequent nucleation of sulphur of both anthropogenic and natural origin (e.g. COS and DMS). F. Effects on Materials An increased level of solar UV radiation is known to have adverse effects on synthetic polymers, naturally occurring biopolymers and some other materials of commercial interest. UV-B radiation accelerates the photo degradation rates of these materials thus limiting their lifetimes. Typical damages range from discoloration to loss of mechanical integrity. Such a situation would eventually demand substitution of the affected materials by more photo stable plastics and other materials in future. In 1974, two United States (US) scientists Mario Molina and F. Sherwood Rowland at the University of California were struck by the observation of Lovelock that the CFCs were present in the atmosphere all over the world more or less evenly distributed by appreciable concentrations. They suggested that these stable CFC molecules could drift slowly up to the stratosphere where they may breakdown into chlorine atoms by energetic UV-B and UB-C rays of the sun. The chlorine radicals thus produced can undergo complex chemical reaction producing chlorine monoxide which can attack an ozone molecule converting it into oxygen and in the process regenerating the chlorine atom again, Thus the ozone destroying effect is catalytic and a small amount of CFC would be destroying large number of ozone molecules. Their basic theory was then put to test by the National Acronautic Space Authority (NASA) scientists and found to be valid, ringing alarm bells in many countries and laying the foundation for international action. G. Effects on Climate Change Ozone depletion and climate change are linked in a number of ways, but ozone depletion is not major cause of climate change. Atmospheric ozone has two effects on the temperature balance of the Earth. It absorbs solar ultraviolet radiation, which heats the stratosphere. It also absorbs infrared radiation emitted by the Earth's surface, effectively trapping heat in the troposphere. Therefore, the climate impact of changes in ozone concentrations varies with the altitude at which these ozone changes occur. The major ozone losses that have been ‘observed in the lower stratosphere due to the human-produced chlorine- and bromine-containing gases have a cooling Scanned with CamScanner-e. On the other hand, the ozone increases that are estimated to have aaeeticd in the troposphere because of surface-pollution gases have a warming effect on the Peeth's surface, thereby contributing to the "greenhouse" effect. In comparison to the effects of Shanges in other atmospheric gases, the effects of both of these ozone changes are difficult to calculate accurately. effect on the Earth's surfac HL Effects on Ultraviolet Radiation ads, on the average, to an increase in ground-level ultraviolet fective absorber of ultra-violet radiation, The Sun emits th about 2% in the form of high-energy, ultraviolet (UV-B) is especially effective in causing damage to living beings, the largest decreases in ozone during the past 15 years have been observed over “Antarctica, especially during each September and October when the ozone hole forms. During the last several years, simultaneous measurements of UV radiation and total ozone have been made at several Antarctic stations. In the late spring, the biologically damaging ultraviolet radiation in parts of the Antarctic continent can exceed that in San Diego, California, where the Sun is much higher above the horizon. In areas where smaller ozone depletion has been observed, UV-B increases are more difficult to detect, In particular, detection of trends in UV-B radiation associated with ozone decreases can be further complicated by changes in cloudiness, by local pollution, and by difficulties in keeping the detection instrument in precisely the same condition over many years. Prior to the late 1980s, instruments with the necessary accuracy and Stability for measurement of small long-term trends in ground-level UV-B were not available. Therefore, the data from urban locations with older, less-specialized instruments provide much less reliable information, especially since simultaneous measurements of changes in cloudiness of local pollution are not available. When high-quality measurements have been made in other mne have regularly areas far from major cities and their associated air pollution, decreases in ozor been accompanied by increases in UV-B. The depletion of the ozone layer le: radiation, because ozone is an ¢ radiation over a wide range of energies, (UV) radiation. Some of this UV radiation What is Ozone Layer? To understand ozone layer, it would be helpful to know the different layers of the atmosphere. The earth’s atmosphere is composed of many layers, each playing a significant role. The first layer stretching approximately 10 kilometers upwards from the earth's surface is known as the troposphere. A lot of human activities such as gas balloons, mountain climbing, and small aircraft flights take place within this region. ayer above the troposphere stretching approximately 15 to 60 ‘ts in the lower region of the stratosphere from about 20-30 earth, The thickness of the ozone layer is about 3 to 5 mm, ng on the season and geography. The stratosphere is the next I kilometers. The ozone layer sit Kilometers above the surface of th but it pretty much fluctuates dependi fat contain ozone which is a naturally + in earth's atmosphere th gaseous layer Ozone layer is a deep Jaye three oxygen atoms, These ozone molecules form a occurring molecule containing Scanned with CamScannerin the Barth's upper atmosphere called stratosphere, This lower region of stratosphere containing itiatively higher concentration of ozone is called Ozonosphere, The Ozonosphere is found 15-35 kam (9 to 22 miles) above the surface of the earth, ‘The concentration of ozone in the ozone layer is usually under 10 parts per million while the average concentration of ozone in the atmosphere is about 0.3 parts per million, The thickness of the ozone layer differs as per season and geography. The highest concentrations of ozone occur at altitudes from 26 to 28 km (16 to 17 miles) in the tropics and from 12 to 20 km (7 to 12 miles) towards the poles. ‘The ozone layer forms a thick layer in stratosphere, encircling the earth, that has large amount of ‘ozone in it. The ozone layer protects life on earth from strong ultraviolet radiation that comes from the sun, Ultraviolet rays are harmful rays that can drive up the risk of deadly disorders like skin cancer, cataracts and damage the immune system. Ultraviolet rays are also capable of destroying single cell organism, terrestrial plant life, and aquatic ecosystems. The ozone layer was discovered in 1913 by the French physicists Charles Fabry and Henri Buisson. The ozone layer has the capability to absorb almost 97-99% of the harmful ultraviolet radiations that sun emit and which can produce long term devastating effects on humans beings as well as plants and animals. Composition of the Ozone Layer It comes as a surprise that the same UV rays form the bulk of ozone layer. Ozone is an extraordinary kind of oxygen composed of 3 oxygen atoms instead of the normal 2 oxygen atoms. Ozone layer normally develops when a few kinds of clectrical discharge or radiation splits the 2 atoms in an oxygen(02) molecute, which then independently reunite with other types of molecules to form ozone. The ozone layer has been shielding life on planet earth for billions of years, but it’s now being worn out by human activities. People began to value the importance of the ozone layer when scientists released a research finding suggesting that certain human-made chemicals known as chlorofluorocarbons managed to reach the stratosphere and depleted the ozone via a profound series of chemical reactions. The results of this research study prompted the signing of a global treaty known as the Montreal Protocol in 1973. This treaty helped in the reduction of the production of these harmful human- made chemicals. ‘These targeted efforts have seen the ozone layer recovering over the past years. The thickness of the ozone layer varies immensely on any day and location, Due to relentless vertical atmospheric air circulation in both the stratosphere and troposphere, the amount of ozone layer shielding humans from strong UV rays can be lesser or greater. In addition, those residing in higher elevations are at risk of UV radiation than those at lower elevations. ‘The Stratospheric ozone plays a big role in protecting humans from the harshness of the sun. However, there is also a kind of ozone developed just above the ground as a result of sun rays coming into contact with pollution in the atmosphere, which is hazardous to human health. in Scanned with CamScannersome individuals, it can lead to complications in breathing and often takes place during summer when pollution is rampant in cities where the air is static. Why Ozone Layer is Necessai An essential property of ozone molecule is its ability to block solar radiations of wavelengths less than 290 nanometers from reaching Earth's surface. In this process, it also absorbs ultraviolet radiations that are dangerous for most living beings. UV radiation could injure or kill life on Earth. Though the absorption of UV radiations warms the stratosphere but it is important for life to flourish on planet Earth. Research scientists have anticipated disruption of susceptible terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems due to depletion of ozone layer. Ultraviolet radiation could destroy the organic matter. Plants and plankton cannot thrive, both acts as food for land and sea animals, respectively. For humans, excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation leads to higher risks of cancer (especially skin cancer) and cataracts. It is calculated that every 1 percent decrease in ozone layer results in a 2-5 percent increase in the occurrence of skin cancer. Other ill-effects of the reduction of protective ozone layer include — increase in the incidence of cataracts, sunbums and suppression of the immune system. Causes of Ozone Layer Depletion Credible scientific studies have substantiated that the cause of ozone layer depletion is human activity, specifically, human-made chemicals that contain chlorine or bromine. These chemicals are widely known as ODS, an acronym for Ozone-Depleting Substances. The scientists have observed reduction in stratospheric ozone since early 1970's. It is found to be more prominent in Polar Regions. Ozone-Depleting Substances have been proven to be eco-friendly, very stable and non-toxic in the atmosphere below. This is why they have gained popularity over the years. However, their stability comes at a price; they are able to float and remain static high up in the stratosphere. When up there, ODS are comfortably broken down by the strong UV light and the resultant chemical is chlorine and bromine. Chlorine and bromine are known to deplete the ozone layer at supersonic speeds. They do this by simply stripping off an atom from the ozone molecule. One chlorine molecule has the capability to break down thousands of ozone molecules. Ozone-depleting substances have stayed and will continue to stay in the atmosphere for many years. This, essentially, implies that a lot of the ozone-depleting substances human have allowed to go into the atmosphere for the previous 90 years are still on their journey to the atmosphere, which is why they will contribute to ozone depletion. The chief ozone-depleting substances include chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), carbon tetrachloride, hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and methyl chloroform. Halons, sometimes known as brominated fluorocarbons, also contribute mightily to ozone depletion, However, their application is greatly restricted since they are utilized in specific fire extinguishers. The downside to halons is they are so potent that they are able to deplete the ozone layer 10 times more than ozone-depleting substances. Scanned with CamScannerjentists in this age are working around the clock to develop Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) to take the place of pyarochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) for a in Wahicle air conditioning. Hydrochlorofluorocarbons ay powerful greenhouse gases, but they are Wet able to deplete ozone. Chlorofluorocarbons, on the other hand, significantly contribute to Climate change, which means Hydrofluorocarbons continue to be the better alternative until safer alternatives are available. ‘There are two regions in which the ozone layer has depleted. «Inthe mid-latitude, for example, over Australia, ozone layer is thinned. This has fed fo an aaa SUV radiation reaching the earth, Iti estimated that about 59% thickness aeethe czone layer has decreased, increasing the risk of humans to over-exposure t0 uv radiation owing to outdoor lifestyle. + In atmospheric regions over Antarctica, ozone layer is significantly thinned, especially in spring season. This has led to the formation of what is called ‘ozone hole’. Ozone holes wefet fo the regions of severely reduced ozone layers. Usually ozone holes form over the Poles during the onset of spring seasons. One of the largest such hole appears annually over Antarctica between September and November. Natural causes of depletion of ozone layer: Ozone layer has been found to be affected by ertain natural phenomena such as Sun-spots and stratospheric winds. But this has been found fo cease not more than 1-2% depletion of the ozone layer and the effects are also thought to be only temporary, Its also believed that the major voleanic eruptions (mainly El Chichon in 1983 and and Mt. Pinatubo in 1991) has also contributed towards ozone depletion. Man-made causes of depletion of ozone layer: The main cause for the depletion of ozone is Tctormined as excessive release of chlorine and bromine from man-made compounds such as CFlerofluorocarbons. (CFCs). CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), halons, | CHsCCls (Methyl Shloroform), CCl, (Carbon tetrachloride), HCFCs _(hydro-chlorofluorocarbons) hydrobromofluorocarbons and methyl bromide are found to have direct impact on the depletion of the ozone layer. These are categorized as ozone-depleting substances (ODS). ‘The problem with the Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS) is that they are not washed, back in the Tes of rain on the earth and in-fact remain in the atmosphere for quite a long time. With so forth stability, they are transported into the stratosphere. The emission of ODS account for roughly 90% of total depletion of ozone layer in stratosphere. These gases ae carried to the stratosphere layer of atmosphere where ultraviolet radiations from the sun break them to release hlorine (from CFCs) and bromine (from methyl bromide and halons). ‘The chlorine and bromine free radicals react with ozone molecule and destroy their molecular structure, thus depleting the ozone layer. One chlorine atom can break more than 1, 00,000 molecules of ozone. Bromine atom is believed to be 40 times more destructive than chlorine molecules. Scanned with CamScanner cutMain Ozone Depleting Substances (OD! Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) 7 js ili ,-depleting substance because it attributes t the most extensively utilized ozone-dep] 1 tt 0 pal ca 30% of overall ozone depletion. It was utilized as a coolant in home appliances like freezers, refrigerators and air conditioners in ‘both buildings and cars that were manufactured nntained in dry cleaning agents, hospital sterilants, and prior to 1995. This substance is usually contained i 3c 3 industrial solvents. The substance is also utilized in foam products like mattresses and cushions and home insulation. Hydrofluorocarbons (HCFCs) Hydrofluorocarbons have over the years served in place of ‘Chlorofluorocarbons. They are not as harmful as CFCs to ozone layer. Halons It’s especially used in selected fire extinguishers in scenarios where the equipment or material could be devastated by water or extinguisher chemicals. Carbon Tetrachloride Also used in selected fire extinguishers and solvents. Methyl Chloroform Commonly utilized in industries for cold cleaning, vapor degreasing, chemical processing, adhesives and some aerosols. Serious Effects of Ozone Depletion 1. Damage to human health If the ozone layer is depleted, it means humans will be overly exposed to strong UV light. Overexposure to strong UV light causes skin cancer, cataracts, sunbums, weakening of immune system and quick aging. 2. Devastation to environment Many crops species are vulnerable to strong UV light and overexposure may well lead to minimal growth, photosynthesis and flowering. Some of the crop species vulnerable to UV light include barley, wheat, com, oats, rice, broccoli, tomatoes, cauliflower just to name a few. Forests equally bear the brunt of ozone depletion. 3. Threat to marine life Scanned with CamScannerin marine life, especially planktons, is greatly impacted by exposure to strong ultraviolet ozone layer destruction, the marine food chain would be disrupted in many ways. Also, overexposure of sun rays could reduce the fortunes of fishers. On top of that, certain species of marine life have been greatly affected by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation at their early stage. 4. Effect on animals In domesticated animals, too much Ultraviolet radiation could also lead to skin and eye cancer. 5. Impacts certain materials Materials like plastics, wood, fabrics, rubber are massively degraded by too much ultraviolet radiation Solutions to Ozone Depletion 1. Desist from using pesticides Pesticides are great chemicals to rid your farm of pests and weeds, but they contribute enormously to ozone layer depletion. The surefire solution to get rid of pests and weeds is to apply natural methods. Just weed your farm manually and use alternative eco-friendly chemicals to alleviate pests. 2. Discourage driving of private vehicles The easiest technique to minimize ozone depletion is to limit the number of vehicles on the road. These vehicles emit a lot of greenhouse gases that eventually form smog, a catalyst in the depletion of ozone layer. 3. Utilize environmentally friendly cleaning products Most household cleaning products are loaded with harsh chemicals that find way to the atmosphere, eventually contributing to degradation of the ozone layer, Use natural and environmentally friendly cleaning products to arrest this situation. 4. Prohibit the use of harmful nitrous oxide The Montreal Protocol formed in 1989 helped a lot in the limitation of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), However, the protocol never covered nitrous oxide, which is a known harmful chemical that can destroy the ozone layer. Nitrous oxide is still in use today. Governments must take action now and outlaw nitrous oxide use to reduce the rate of ozone depletion. Scanned with CamScanner